By Nkechi Eze
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening accountability, protecting human rights and adopting survivor-centred approaches in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Disu made the commitment in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by SP Fidelis Toddo, Head of the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU), at a National Multi-Stakeholder Policy Dialogue on “Strengthening Human Rights-Centred and Gender-Responsive Approaches to SGBV in Defence and Security Operations in Nigeria,” held in Abuja.
The dialogue was hosted by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International Nigeria, with support from the Government of Ireland.
The IGP described SGBV as both a criminal justice and fundamental human rights issue, stressing that effective prevention and response required security institutions to uphold professionalism, integrity, accountability and respect for human dignity.
He said the Police remained committed to ensuring that its operations were guided by the Constitution, relevant laws, human rights principles and professional policing standards.
According to him, security operations must protect citizens while safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Disu said the Force was committed to gender-responsive and survivor-centred approaches to the prevention, reporting, investigation and response to SGBV.
“Victims and survivors must be treated with dignity, confidentiality and sensitivity, while perpetrators must be subjected to appropriate investigation and lawful accountability,” he said.
The IGP also underscored the role of the Police Complaint Response Unit as an important 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 remained essential to strengthening public confidence and entrenching a culture of accountability within the Force.
Disu stressed that the fight against SGBV could not be left to a single institution, calling for stronger collaboration among the Police, Armed Forces, other security agencies, government institutions, human rights organisations, civil society groups, development partners, traditional institutions, communities and survivors.
He said the multi-stakeholder dialogue offered an opportunity to identify institutional gaps, exchange experiences and develop practical recommendations for strengthening policies, operational procedures, referral mechanisms, capacity building and accountability frameworks.
The IGP welcomed continued partnerships and technical support aimed at strengthening human rights-based and gender-responsive policing, assuring that the Force would continue to enhance the capacity of its personnel to respond professionally and effectively to SGBV-related complaints.
He urged stakeholders to focus on practical, sustainable and measurable solutions capable of translating policy commitments into improved protection for citizens.
Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives, upholding human rights, preventing SGBV and strengthening accountability across its operations.
He said sustained collaboration and shared responsibility would 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.
