The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has charged Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) across the states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to embrace rights-based and intelligence-driven policing as a pathway to strengthening justice delivery and public trust in law enforcement.

Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, stated this during a town hall meeting for FCT DPOs on “Rights-Based Policing and Oversight” held in Abuja.

The meeting was organised by the NHRC in collaboration with Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN).

Ojukwu, who was represented by the Commission’s Director of Human Resources Management, Mr. Ibe Obidigwe, reminded participants of the official handover of the Police Regulations 2025 on April 15, stressing that the new regulations are critical to professional policing standards.

According to him, the NHRC played a direct role in the process because the regulations go beyond administrative procedures and represent a benchmark for professional conduct in line with international best practices.

“For you, the DPOs, these updated regulations provide the clarity and protection needed to perform your duties within the bounds of global standards,” he said.

He noted that the town hall was designed to bridge operational realities with statutory obligations and ensure that officers align policing methods with the rule of law.

“As DPOs, you are the primary gatekeepers of justice. The station level is where the social contract is either strengthened or destroyed,” he stated.

Ojukwu urged officers to fully comply with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the Anti-Torture Act 2017, and the new Police Regulations, noting that adherence to the laws would help transition the Nigeria Police Force from confession-driven investigations to intelligence-led policing.

He added that such a transition would protect both citizens and police officers from legal liabilities while enhancing professionalism and accountability.

The NHRC boss further stressed that effective policing and human rights protection are inseparable, noting that public safety depends largely on public cooperation, which can only be earned through respect for human dignity.

“By aligning our methods with the rule of law, we do not merely police a population; we serve a nation,” he added.

Aldo Speaking, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu, represented by Mrs. Victoria Orakwue of the PSC legal department, commended the NHRC for the initiative.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working with stakeholders to build a more accountable, people-oriented and professional Nigeria Police Force.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that policing in Nigeria reflects fairness, respect for human dignity and service to the people,” he said.

Also speaking, Executive Director of Partners West Africa Nigeria, Mrs. Kemi Okenyodo, represented by Glory Terkosu, described the dialogue as timely, especially amid growing public concerns over accountability, procedural justice and citizens’ rights.

She said professionalism and respect for human rights remain critical to building public trust and improving security outcomes.

“We are supporting citizen engagement and collaboration between state and non-state actors to advance democratic governance and the rule of law,” she said.

Representing the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Sanusi, CSP Hiliary Unung said the engagement would help officers improve relationships with members of the public and enhance operational performance.

He assured participants of the command’s commitment to embracing modern policing methods and respecting the fundamental rights of citizens.

“The command will ensure compliance with human rights standards and will not hesitate to sanction officers who violate established rules,” he said.

Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, also stressed the need to strengthen trust between the police and the public, particularly as the country approaches another electoral season.

The meeting attracted stakeholders in the rule of law sector, human rights experts and DPOs from across the FCT.