POLICE LAUNCH 90-DAY TRAINING PROGRAM ON TRAUMA AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR OFFICERS
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The Nigeria Police Force has launched a 90-day training programme for its personnel focused on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday in Jos, Plateau State, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Department of Training and Development (DTD), Mr. Frank Mba, described the initiative as both timely and strategic.
Represented by Commissioner of Police Eloho Okiazakpo, Mba explained that the programme is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Jos and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
He added that participants were drawn from states affected by conflict, including Borno, Zamfara, Benue, Katsina, and Yobe, among others.
According to him, the training is aimed at equipping officers with the requisite skills to address trauma and mental health challenges within their commands and units.
“We expect you to put to good use the knowledge and skills you will acquire here.
“You are expected to be shining examples in your various formations because mental health, especially for those of us combating violent crimes, is at stake.
“We also expect that upon your return, you will fully embrace your roles and engage effectively with the public in the course of service delivery,” he stated.
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Mba encouraged participants to share the knowledge gained with their colleagues, noting that the programme consists of 60 days of intensive lectures followed by 30 days of practical simulation exercises.
Also speaking, Mr. Napoleon Enayaba, Programme Specialist at the UNDP-Nigeria Rule of Law and Human Rights Unit, described the initiative as a landmark effort in advancing police reform in the country. He noted that the programme would strengthen the capacity of law enforcement officers deployed in conflict-affected regions.
“From our work in the North-East, we recognize the heavy psychological toll on officers operating in active conflict zones, in addition to the lasting trauma experienced by communities, particularly women and girls.
“To mitigate the risks linked to inadequate first-aid psychological support, this programme is the first of its kind in Nigeria—bringing together academic expertise and law enforcement practice,” he said.
Declaring the training open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, said the programme was carefully crafted to provide participants with practical skills in counselling, crisis intervention, trauma management, conflict resolution, communication, and ethical decision-making.
Ishaya added that the training would also strengthen participants’ personal resilience and emotional well-being, in addition to their technical expertise.
He expressed gratitude to the UNDP for its ongoing support in building institutional capacity, promoting human security, and fostering sustainable peace and development in Nigeria.
The vice-chancellor urged institutions to tap into the extensive resources of the University of Jos to advance knowledge and capacity development in society.
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