The Police Reform Secretariat (PRS) has disclosed that more than 1,939 operational police officers lack critical skills in investigation, human rights, gender sensitivity, use of force, ethical conduct, leadership, trauma management, and community policing.
In a statement on Monday, the PRS said it has begun addressing the gaps by training 233 future police leaders and launching a women’s leadership mentoring programme that has benefited 95 female officers in the Gender Unit.
The Secretariat also announced upgrades to training schools and specialised departments, including legal, ICT, and medical units. It added that solar energy systems have been installed to provide reliable power for about 140,000 police personnel and six million community members across 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at a media parley in Abuja, PRS Head Prof. Olu Ogunsakin said reforming police training is central to transforming policing in Nigeria. He confirmed that the Secretariat has completed a review of the police training curriculum, removing outdated content and aligning it with modern policing standards.
“In three weeks, we will begin training police trainers across the geopolitical zones, who will in turn train others,” Ogunsakin said. “Reform starts with training, and the time has come for honest conversations, meaningful action, and comprehensive reform.”
He emphasised that police reform requires collaboration from all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, communities, government, advocacy groups, and the media.
The PRS, he explained, was established to strengthen coordination and stakeholder engagement in reform efforts. Its four core mandates include institutional coordination, sustained implementation, policy and technical advisory support, and ensuring transparency and accountability.
According to Ogunsakin, the Secretariat aims to build public trust by institutionalising oversight, upholding human rights standards, and making the Nigeria Police Force more responsive to citizens’ security needs.
