The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commenced the second phase of its strategic Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention training programme for Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs).
The three-day workshop, held from 8–10 July 2025 in Ikeja, Lagos, aims to reinforce communication capacities within the Force, particularly in the southern region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Oluhundare Jimoh Moshood, who represented the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun emphasised the pivotal role of strategic communication in fostering public trust, countering misinformation, and facilitating behavioural change.
Egbetokun said: “This training is timely and significant, equipping our PPROs with essential tools to better manage public perception and engage citizens empathetically.”
He noted that spokespersons must balance operational competence with refined communication skills.The initiative—funded and supported by CLEEN Foundation—builds on earlier capacity-building collaborations.
Notably, CLEEN facilitated training in May 2025 focused exclusively on Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Northern Nigeria to strengthen GBV prevention capabilities.
The first phase of this specialised SBCC training was held from 24–26 June 2025 in Kaduna, targeting PPROs from the Northern zone.
The current Lagos session brings together officers from southern states to delve into modern communication strategies—covering audience analysis, persuasive messaging, digital media use, and community engagement.
Egbetokun reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to proactive, citizen-centred policing through ongoing capacity development and inter-agency cooperation. “Our collaboration with CLEEN Foundation exemplifies this dedication,” he declared, underscoring the Force’s mission to foster accountability and professionalism via enhanced communications.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, further stressed the importance of the training in rebuilding public confidence and empowering officers to address gender-based violence more sensitively and effectively.
