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By Lizzy Chirkpi
In a continued effort to enhance public engagement and foster trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in partnership with the CLEEN Foundation, has commenced the second phase of a specialized training programme for Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs).
The training, which focuses on Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) and the prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), was formally declared open on Monday, July 8, 2025, in Ikeja, Lagos State. This follows the successful first phase of the initiative, which was held in Kaduna from June 24 to 26, 2025.
In a press statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, fCAI, and dated July 8, 2025, the NPF noted that the programme aims to enhance the strategic communication capabilities of police spokespersons while equipping them with vital tools for effective public engagement and behavioural transformation.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, was represented at the opening ceremony by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Oluhundare Jimoh Moshood, who formally declared the training open.
In his address, IGP Egbetokun highlighted the critical role of SBCC in modern policing, describing it as “a powerful tool for reshaping public perception, promoting transparency, and fostering mutual respect between law enforcement and citizens.”
He further stressed the evolving expectations placed on police spokespersons, stating:
“Police spokespersons must possess more than just operational knowledge—they must be skilled communicators capable of engaging the public with empathy, clarity, and professionalism, ” the statement read in part.
The Lagos session brings together PPROs from across the southern region and features a robust curriculum that includes modules on audience analysis, persuasive messaging, digital media utilization, and effective engagement with diverse communities.
According to the IGP, the training is part of a broader strategy by the Force to align modern policing practices with democratic values and human rights principles. He reiterated the NPF’s commitment to citizen-centered policing, saying, “This training reflects the Force’s broader strategy to align modern policing with democratic values and human rights principles.”
He also praised the collaboration with the CLEEN Foundation, emphasizing the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in driving sustainable change.
The NPF-CLEEN Foundation initiative is widely seen as a strategic shift that acknowledges communication not merely as a support function, but as a critical pillar in contemporary law enforcement.