The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professional, accountable and rights-based policing, stressing that the era of brutality and arbitrary detention is over.

Speaking at a State-to-State Police Training Programme in Asaba yesterday, Adesola said the command was “irrevocably committed to professional, accountable, and rights-based policing,” adding that security and human rights must be treated as “mutually reinforcing pillars of democratic governance.”

The training, organised by Social Action Nigeria with support from the European Union, brought together 70 police personnel under the theme: ‘Citizens-Focused Policing, Promotion of Human Rights and the Rule of Law.’

Adesola, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, based his remarks on Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution, which establishes the Nigeria Police Force and mandates it to maintain law and order while ensuring the safety of citizens. He, however, noted that this duty must be discharged in strict compliance with fundamental human rights.

“Security and human rights are not opposing ideals,” he said. “They are mutually reinforcing pillars of democratic governance.”

The workshop comes amid sustained scrutiny of policing practices in Nigeria, particularly following public outcry over excessive force, unlawful detention and misconduct.

Although he did not cite specific incidents, Adesola acknowledged that public discourse on policing increasingly centres on accountability and professionalism.

“This conversation is both necessary and healthy for a growing democracy,” he added, urging officers to continually review their conduct and strengthen institutional culture to reflect fairness, restraint and legality, especially in engagements with young people.

In his welcome address, the Programmes Director of Social Action Nigeria, Botti Isaac, said incidents of brutality and arbitrary detention had eroded public confidence in the police.

“Instances of police brutality and arbitrary detention have damaged public trust in our security systems,” he said. “Effective policing must operate under strict adherence to the rule of law.”

He described the training as essential to bridging the trust gap between law enforcement agencies and citizens by strengthening the capacity of zonal and divisional leaders to uphold human rights while enforcing the law.

Participants commended the organisers for equipping them with knowledge of ethical law enforcement practices and legal frameworks aimed at improving police–public relations.