By Adesakin Adefemi
The Nigeria Police Force has launched a 90-day training programme for its personnel on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The training, which began on Monday in Jos, Plateau State, is aimed at equipping officers with the skills to address trauma and mental health challenges within their commands and units.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Department of Training and Development (DTD), Mr. Frank Mba, described the training as timely and strategic. He said the exercise was organised in collaboration with the University of Jos and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Mba urged participants to put the knowledge and skills they acquire to good use, saying they are expected to be shining examples in their various formations. He added that mental health, especially for those combating violent crimes, is at stake.
The training is expected to comprise 60 days of intensive lectures and 30 days of simulation exercises. Participants were drawn from conflict-affected states, including Borno, Zamfara, Benue, Katsina, and Yobe, among others.
Programme Specialist, Rule of Law and Human Rights Unit, UNDP-Nigeria, Mr. Napoleon Enayaba, said the initiative marks a milestone in efforts to strengthen police reform in the country. He added that the programme will enhance the capacity of law enforcement officers serving in conflict-affected areas.
Enayaba said the programme is the first of its kind in Nigeria, where academia meets law enforcement. He noted that the training will help address the psychological burden carried by law enforcement officers operating in active conflict environments.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, said the programme was carefully designed to equip participants with practical skills in counselling, crisis intervention, trauma management, conflict resolution, communication, and ethical decision-making.
The training is expected to enhance the personal resilience and emotional well-being of the participants, beyond technical knowledge. The University of Jos is working with the UNDP to strengthen institutions, promote human security, and advance sustainable peace and development in Nigeria.
