The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in a bid to deepen human rights protection and enhance public confidence in law enforcement.
Chairperson of the NHRC Governing Council, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Sulaiman, led a delegation of Council Members, including the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, and senior management staff, on a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, Dr. Sulaiman emphasized the vital role of the Police in safeguarding human rights, stressing the need for ongoing reforms within the Force to ensure professionalism, accountability, and strict adherence to the rule of law. She called for a sustained and strategic partnership between the NHRC and the NPF to mainstream human rights into policing operations.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, also underscored the importance of reinvigorating the Human Rights and Gender Desks across all Police formations. He advocated for the seamless integration of human rights training into all Police institutions, offering the Commission’s support to do so at no cost.
Dr. Ojukwu urged the removal of bureaucratic barriers that hinder NHRC’s access to detention facilities, noting that such access is essential for effective human rights monitoring, as mandated by law. He acknowledged instances where the Police have responded promptly to human rights complaints, particularly regarding arrests and the treatment of suspects.
The NHRC boss further commended the Nigeria Police for recognizing officers who exemplify rights-based policing, such as SP Sentome Obi, and encouraged the IGP to revisit the reports of various SARS investigative panels to ensure justice and prevent future violations.
In his response, IGP Kayode Egbetokun reiterated the Force’s unwavering commitment to upholding human rights. He noted that human rights education has been made mandatory in all Police training institutions and emphasized that arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions, and injustice are firmly opposed by the Force.
The IGP added that the Nigeria Police welcome constructive feedback, describing it as essential for promoting transparency and accountability in policing.
This strategic engagement highlights the NHRC’s core mandate to collaborate with institutions like the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that law enforcement practices in the country align with national and international human rights standards.
