As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the justice system’s response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigeria, the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), managers of Ireti Resource Centre, has successfully concluded a two-day intensive capacity-building training for 25 police officers across three Area Police Commands in Lagos State.
The training, held from Wednesday, May 21 to Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Sunfit Hotels, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, was delivered under WRAHP’s project titled “Scaling up Access to Justice-Related Social Services for Women and Girls Survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Lagos and Edo States.”
The project is supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC II), funded by the European Union.
The initiative targets law enforcement officers as crucial stakeholders in improving access to justice for SGBV survivors through trauma-informed, survivor-centered policing approaches.
A Push for Survivor-Centered Justice
Speaking to First News during the programme, Bose Ironsi, Executive Director of WRAHP, emphasized the urgent need to scale up SGBV response across all levels of policing.
“WRAHP is upscaling the fight against SGBV in Lagos. We trained 25 officers in this batch, and just last week, at a different programme, we trained 30 others—making it 55 officers in total. These officers are expected to cascade the training to their colleagues at their respective units, while we monitor implementation,” she said.
Ironsi also lauded the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Gender Desk Unit for their commitment to institutional change.
“Before now, we trained mostly women officers, but now more male officers are being nominated. This is a welcome shift. Gender-based violence is everyone’s business—whether you’re a desk officer, male or female, you must know the right procedures.”
Training Focus: Safeguarding and Law Enforcement Ethics
On Day Two, the spotlight was on safeguarding—a cornerstone of ethical policing and survivor protection.
Francis Umoh, WRAHP Programme Manager, facilitated a detailed session on safeguarding principles and responsibilities.
Key learning areas included:
Integrating safeguarding into police duties
Recognizing forms of safeguarding violations: sexual, emotional, physical, economic, and verbal abuse
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Understanding power dynamics, gender inequality, and discrimination as root causes
Creating safe environments within police units and communities
Participants were reminded that “safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility” and that the ultimate goal is to “do no harm” to any individual they come into contact with, particularly survivors of trauma.
Police Role in Promoting Justice
Also facilitating the session was DSP Roseline Elekhue, who underscored the role of police officers in improving access to justice and promoting survivor-friendly policing.
She encouraged officers to adopt a rights-based, trauma-informed approach in handling SGBV cases while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.
Officers Reflect: “We Are More Equipped to Serve”
One of the participants, Gbenga Owoeye, commended the training’s impact on his professional outlook.
“This programme on GBV and safeguarding has been enlightening, educative, and informative. We’ve learned how to better serve survivors and relate with the public. The next step is to apply what we’ve learned and step it down to our colleagues,” he said.
“Public relations is a deliberate and sustained effort. As officers who serve as the bridge between the institution and the public, we must nurture that relationship to build trust and uphold justice.”
Towards Safer Communities
The training represents a significant step toward building a police force that not only enforces the law but also upholds the dignity, rights, and safety of all citizens—particularly the most vulnerable.
With strategic partnerships, sustained advocacy, and ongoing training, WRAHP is championing a more responsive and humane justice system in Nigeria—one that truly delivers justice to survivors of SGBV.