IGP To Tackle Gender Violence With PROs Training

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, launched the second phase of a specialised training for Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence.

The Nigeria Police Force, in partnership with CLEEN Foundation, commenced the training on Monday, July 8, 2025, in Ikeja, Lagos State.

The programme, which will run until Thursday, July 10, 2025, focuses on Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) and gender-based violence (GBV) preventive strategies.

The Lagos Commissioner of Police, Oluhundare Jimoh Moshood, represented the IGP at the opening session and declared the training officially open.

In his address, the IGP emphasised the importance of strategic communication in strengthening police-community relations, highlighting its role in driving positive behavioural change, improving transparency, and rebuilding public trust.

“The Social and Behavioural Change Communication training is timely and significant, as it equips Police PROs with essential tools to better manage public perception, counter misinformation, and engage citizens in a more empathetic and impactful manner,” the IGP said.

He noted that police officers, particularly spokespersons, require more than operational expertise to meet public expectations, stressing the need for refined communication skills to foster accountability and professionalism within the Force.

The second phase of the training targets police PROs from the southern region of Nigeria, building on the first phase, which was held from June 24 to 26, 2025, in Kaduna State.

Participants will undergo “intensive sessions on audience analysis, persuasive messaging, behavioural change strategies, digital media engagement, and communication approaches” for interacting with diverse communities.

Reaffirming the NPF’s commitment to modern, citizen-centred policing, the IGP restated the importance of ongoing capacity building, inter-agency collaboration, and effective public engagement.