The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has intensified its commitment to child protection by concluding a crucial, week-long Pre-Deployment Training focused on “Preventing the Recruitment and Use of Children in Armed Conflict.”
The initiative, held at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters in Abuja, aims to equip officers with the specialised skills necessary for child-sensitive policing during internal security operations.
The training programme was officially inaugurated by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who was represented by AIG Aminu Baba Raji, AIG Training and Development.
The specialised course was delivered in partnership with the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security. It featured contributions from both international facilitators and certified Nigerian Police Trainers-of-Trainers, ensuring a comprehensive and contextually relevant learning experience.
The core objective of the training was to empower officers to not only detect and prevent the recruitment of children by armed groups but also to fundamentally recognise that children associated with such groups are primarily victims. Participants were trained to approach these situations with confidentiality, empathy, and protection as the guiding principles.
In his address, the IGP stressed the acute vulnerability of children in violent situations. He categorically stated that their recruitment by armed actors, whether they serve as fighters, spies, or in other roles, constitutes a grave violation of their rights and a significant threat to national security.
“Officers deployed to conflict-affected areas must identify these risks and respond with professionalism, sensitivity, and gender-responsive approaches,” the IGP emphasised.
This latest training is designed to further strengthen the NPF’s existing child-protection initiatives, including the Safer Schools Programme and the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV).
A total of 25 officers completed the program and were certified as ready for immediate deployment to conflict-affected areas across the country, armed with their new child-sensitive skills.
IGP Egbetokun concluded by expressing deep appreciation to the organisers and reassured the public that the Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to upholding human rights and continuously enhancing its child-protection capacity through sustained training and strong partnerships.
