By Edith Nwapi
Dr Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has described Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) as the “critical bridge between citizens and safety” and key to curbing police impunity.
Ojukwu, made this known on Friday at a Town hall meeting in Abuja for FCT DPOs on “Rights based policing and oversight. ”
The meeting was organised by the NHRC and the Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN).
Ojukwu who was represented by Mr Ibe Obidigwe, director, Human Resources Management of the commission, said the DPOs were the first point of contact for citizens seeking justice, making their actions vital in determining whether citizens experience accountability or abuse.
He reminded the participants of the newly gazetted Nigeria Police Regulations 2025.
The executive secretary urged them to follow these guidelines, which include requirements for electronic recording of statements and ensuring legal counsel during interrogations.
” For you, the DPOs, these updated Regulations provide the clarity and protection you need to perform your duties within the bounds of international best practices.
” In bridging Operational Realities and Statutory Obligations, Our goal today is to harmonise these Statutory Obligations with your Operational Realities.
” As DPOs, you are the primary gatekeepers of Justice. The station level is where the “social contract” is either signed or shredded” he said.
He said adhering to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. (ACJA) (2015), the Anti-Torture Act (2017), and the new Police Regulation, can help to transit from confession-dependent policing to intelligence-Led Policing.
Effective policing and the protection of human rights, he said, are two sides of the same coin.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu, represented by Mrs Victoria Orakwue, legal department of PSC commended the NHRC for the initiative.
He reaffirmed the PSC’s readiness to continue working closely with relevant stakeholders to build a more accountable, people-oriented and professional Nigeria Police Force.
” It is our collective responsibility to ensure that policing in Nigeria reflects the principles of fairness, respect for human dignity and service to the people ” he said.
Similarly, the Executive Director of Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), Mrs Kemi Okenyodo, represented by Glory Terkosu, recognised NHRC ‘s continuous commitment to advancing accountability,promoting human rights, among others.
” Today’s dialogue, so timely and necessary, particularly as the tensions around policing, accountability, procedural justice, and the protection of citizens’ rights,continue to shape public trust in law enforcement institutions and democratic governments in Nigeria.
” Professionalism and respect for human dignity is better positioned to build trust with citizens and improve security outcomes.
” We are supporting citizen engagement, and fostering collaboration between state and non-state actors to advance democratic governance and the rule of law” she said.
Speaking also, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, represented by CSP Hiliary Unung said the knowledge from the meeting will help officers build better relationship with the public.
The command, he said, will ensure total compliance and respect to fundamental human rights of citizens and will not hesitate to sanction officers who derailed in their areas of work” he said.
The Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, spoke on creating trust between the Police and the public especially as the campaign period is approaching.
The meeting was attended by Shakespeare in rule of law, experts in human rights and DPOs in the FCT. (NAN)