The Nigeria Police Force and CLEEN Foundation have asked Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to strengthen efforts at preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), improve victim protection mechanisms and adopt more professional, survivor-centred approaches in handling related cases.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development, Ishaku Mohammed, Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Peter Maduoma, and Oyo State Police Commissioner, Abimbola Olugbenga, made the call in Ibadan during the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop on GBV preventive strategies, organised by CLEEN Foundation for DPOs in Oyo State.

Held with the theme, “Towards Strengthening Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence,” the programme brought together DPOs from across Oyo State to develop practical strategies for preventing abuse, protecting victims and strengthening community-based responses to gender-related violence.

Speaking on behalf of DIG Mohammed, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Administration), Ademola Adejokun, said GBV remains a major social and security concern with far-reaching consequences for victims, families and communities.

He lauded the CLEEN Foundation for partnering the Nigeria Police Force, describing the collaboration as a demonstration of a shared commitment to strengthening community safety and access to justice.

He explained that DPOs occupy strategic positions as first responders and community leaders, making them critical actors in preventing and responding to cases of gender-based violence.

According to him, “this training is timely and strategic as it provides an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of GBV prevention frameworks, enhance investigative and response capabilities and strengthen partnerships for the protection of vulnerable persons.”

Adejokun urged participants to actively engage in the training sessions and apply the knowledge gained to improving professionalism, service delivery and public confidence in the police. He added that the Inspector-General of Police remains committed to capacity building and partnerships that enhance the protection of human rights and the maintenance of law and order.

Earlier, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Peter Maduoma, stressed that prevention remains the most effective response to gender-based violence, noting that many incidents could be avoided through early intervention, community engagement and improved policing strategies.

According to him, gender-based violence remains one of Nigeria’s most prevalent but underreported human rights violations, with available data showing that one in three women has experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

Describing DPOs as the primary interface between the police and local communities, he urged officers to challenge harmful social norms that normalise violence, and to embrace trauma-informed and survivor-centred approaches in handling complaints.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Abiodun Onuoha, who represented the Commissioner of Police, said gender-based violence threatens public safety and social stability, noting that law enforcement officers have a responsibility to ensure that victims receive protection, support and access to justice, while perpetrators are held accountable.

“The knowledge and skills that will be shared during this programme are expected to enhance our capacity to prevent, investigate and respond effectively to gender-related offences across the command,” he said.