Police train personnel on PTSD

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commenced a 90-day training programme for its personnel on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Speaking at the opening of the programme on Monday in Jos, Mr Frank Mba, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Department of Training and Development (DTD), described the training as timely and strategic.

Mba, who was represented by Mr Eloho Okiazakpo, a commissioner of police in the department, said the exercise was organised in collaboration with the University of Jos and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He said participants were drawn from conflict-affected states, 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 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 urged participants to cascade the training to their colleagues, adding that the programme would comprise 60 days of intensive lectures and 30 days of simulation exercises.

Also speaking, Mr Napoleon Enayaba, Programme Specialist, Rule of Law and Human Rights Unit, UNDP-Nigeria, said the initiative marked a milestone in efforts to strengthen police reform in the country.

He said the programme would also enhance the capacity of law enforcement officers serving in conflict-affected areas.

“From our work in the North-East, we understand the immense psychological burden carried by law enforcement officers operating in active conflict environments.

“This is in addition to the deep scars borne by communities, especially women and girls.

“To avoid the risks associated with inadequate first-aid psychological support, this programme marks the first of its kind in Nigeria – where academia meets law enforcement,” he said.

Declaring the training open, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, said that the programme was carefully designed to equip participants with practical skills in counselling, crisis intervention, trauma management, conflict resolution, communication and ethical decision-making.

Ishaya said the exercise would also enhance the personal resilience and emotional well-being of the participants, beyond technical knowledge.

He thanked the UNDP for its sustained support toward strengthening institutions, promoting human security and advancing sustainable peace and development in Nigeria.

The vice-chancellor urged institutions to leverage the vast potential of the University of Jos in advancing knowledge and capacity development in society. (NAN)

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