Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Police Force has identified stronger internal accountability, survivor-centred policing and effective complaint mechanisms as key to improving its response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.
The Force said its approach to SGBV must go beyond criminal investigation to include protection of human rights, respect for human dignity and accountability in security operations.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, stated this in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Head of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) at a National Multi-Stakeholders Policy Dialogue on strengthening human rights-centred and gender-responsive approaches to SGBV in defence and security operations in Nigeria.
The IGP described SGBV as both a criminal justice and fundamental human rights concern, stressing that security institutions must operate with professionalism, integrity and accountability while protecting vulnerable persons.
According to him, the Police would continue to ensure that its operations are guided by the Constitution, relevant laws, human rights principles and professional policing standards.
He said women, children and other vulnerable groups must have their rights and dignity protected during security operations, adding that the Force recognises the importance of gender-responsive and survivor-centred approaches in preventing, reporting, investigating and responding to SGBV.
The IGP stressed that victims and survivors must be treated with dignity, confidentiality and sensitivity, while perpetrators should face appropriate investigation and lawful accountability.
He also highlighted the role of the Complaint Response Unit as an internal accountability mechanism through which members of the public can report complaints and allegations of police misconduct.
He said effective complaint management, investigation, follow-up and resolution would help strengthen public confidence and promote a culture of accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP, however, noted that tackling SGBV cannot be achieved by the Police or any single institution alone, calling for stronger collaboration among the Police, Armed Forces, other security agencies, government institutions, human rights organisations, civil society, development partners, traditional institutions, communities and survivors.
He said the national dialogue provided an opportunity for stakeholders to identify institutional gaps, share experiences and develop practical recommendations for improving policies, operational procedures, referral systems, capacity building and accountability frameworks.
The Police chief also welcomed continued partnerships and technical support aimed at strengthening human rights-based and gender-responsive policing.
He said the Force was particularly focused on improving the capacity of its personnel to handle SGBV-related complaints professionally and effectively, while ensuring that policing remains people-centred and respectful of human dignity.
The IGP urged participants at the dialogue to move beyond policy discussions and focus on practical, sustainable and measurable solutions capable of improving institutional policies and protection for citizens.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting lives, upholding human rights, preventing SGBV and strengthening accountability across its operations.
He said stronger collaboration and shared responsibility could help build security institutions that are not only effective in maintaining peace and security, but also trusted, inclusive, professional and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
