The CLEEN Foundation has trained thirty Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) from Northern Nigeria to combat Gender-Based Violence, GBV.

The training, held in Kaduna on Thursday, included officers from Borno, Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna, FCT, and Benue.

Programme Director of CLEEN Foundation, Dr Salaudeen Hashim, explained that the two-day training aimed to equip officers with the necessary skills to handle GBV cases effectively.

Hashim emphasised the importance of building trust within communities, particularly in northern Nigeria, where GBV was a prevalent issue.

He stressed that addressing GBV required a comprehensive understanding of it as a violation of human rights, and that the training would help officers manage the cases with sensitivity and professionalism.

The Programme Director also highlighted the foundation’s efforts to train female officers in Borno on gender awareness and conflict emergencies, aiming to enhance the enforcement of human rights for victims.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police in Charge of Training, Frank Mbah, who spoke through by AIG Garba Ahmed, underscored the importance of the training.

He noted that it played a crucial role in equipping officers with the necessary knowledge to handle GBV cases effectively.

Mbah emphasised that the police attached great importance to the training, as it directly supported their efforts in addressing GBV and ensuring that victims received the appropriate attention and support.

He called for broader support from the community and judiciary to address GBV effectively, stressing the importance of diligent handling and prosecution of cases.

The Training Facilitator, Dr Kemakolam Isioma, explained that the training also covered strategies for GBV prevention, including working with stakeholders like NGOs, healthcare providers, and community leaders.

Isioma highlighted the recent order from the Inspector General of Police to establish functional gender desks in all police divisions.

She said the training participants will develop an action plan to prevent GBV and promote a safer society for women and girls.