The Nigeria Police Force has commenced a 90-day specialized training program aimed at addressing trauma and mental health challenges among its personnel, particularly officers serving in conflict-affected areas of the country.
The program, which focuses on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and psychological support, was officially opened on Monday in Jos, Plateau State. It is being organized in collaboration with the University of Jos and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Training and Development, Mr Frank Mba, described the initiative as timely and strategic. He said the training was designed to respond to the growing mental health needs of police officers exposed to violence, conflict, and other traumatic experiences in the line of duty.
Mr Mba was represented at the event by a Commissioner of Police in the department, Mr Eloho Okiazakpo.
According to him, participants in the program were drawn from states that have experienced prolonged security challenges, including Borno, Zamfara, Benue, Katsina, Yobe, and other parts of the country affected by insurgency, banditry, and communal violence.
He said the training is meant to equip officers with the skills and knowledge needed to recognise, manage, and respond to trauma and mental health issues, both in themselves and among their colleagues.
“We expect you to put to good use the knowledge and skills you will acquire here,” Mba said.
“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,” he added.
He further urged the officers to apply what they learn to improve their relationship with members of the public.
“We also expect that on your return, you will fit properly into your roles and relate effectively with members of the public in the course of service delivery,” he said.
Mba explained that the programme would run for 90 days, consisting of 60 days of intensive classroom lectures and 30 days of practical simulation exercises. He added that participants would be expected to cascade the training by sharing their knowledge with colleagues in their respective commands and units.
The Nigeria Police Force has, in recent years, faced increased pressure due to rising insecurity across the country. Officers are often deployed to high-risk environments, where they witness violence, death, and destruction. These experiences, experts say, can have serious effects on mental health if not properly managed.
Many police officers operate under intense stress, long working hours, and dangerous conditions. However, mental health support has often received little attention compared to physical training and operational readiness.
Also speaking at the event, the Programme Specialist for the Rule of Law and Human Rights Unit at UNDP-Nigeria, Mr Napoleon Enayaba, described the training as a major step forward in ongoing police reform efforts in the country.
He said the programme would help strengthen the capacity of law enforcement officers, especially those working in areas affected by conflict.
“From our work in the North-East, we understand the immense psychological burden carried by law enforcement officers operating in active conflict environments,” Enayaba said.
“This is in addition to the deep scars borne by communities, especially women and girls,” he added.
According to him, inadequate psychological first aid can increase the risk of burnout, aggression, poor decision-making, and human rights abuses. He said the programme was designed to address these risks.
“To avoid the dangers associated with inadequate psychological support, this programme marks the first of its kind in Nigeria—where academia meets law enforcement,” Enayaba said.
He noted that the partnership between the police, the University of Jos, and the UNDP shows the importance of cooperation in tackling complex security and human development challenges.
Declaring the programme open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, said the training was carefully designed to go beyond theory and focus on practical skills.
According to him, participants will be trained in counselling, crisis intervention, trauma management, conflict resolution, communication skills, and ethical decision-making.
He said the programme would also help officers build personal resilience and emotional strength, which are essential for coping with the demands of policing.
“This exercise is not only about technical knowledge. It is also about enhancing your personal well-being and emotional stability,” Ishaya said.
The vice-chancellor thanked the UNDP for its continued support in strengthening institutions, promoting human security, and supporting peace and development in Nigeria.
He also encouraged government agencies and organisations to make greater use of the University of Jos in building capacity and advancing knowledge in society.
Mental health experts have long argued that addressing the psychological well-being of security personnel is critical to improving professionalism and public trust in law enforcement. Officers who receive proper mental health support are more likely to handle stress effectively, show empathy, and avoid excessive use of force.
The training comes at a time when public confidence in policing remains a key issue in Nigeria. Incidents of misconduct and complaints about police behaviour have often been linked to stress, fatigue, and unresolved trauma among officers.
By focusing on mental health, the Nigeria Police Force hopes to improve both officer welfare and service delivery to the public.
Participants at the programme are expected to serve as mental health focal points in their commands, helping to identify officers who need support and ensuring early intervention.
As insecurity continues to challenge different parts of the country, stakeholders say initiatives like this training are necessary to support those on the front lines of law enforcement.