The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has launched a 90-day training programme aimed at equipping its personnel with skills to identify and manage Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health challenges.
The programme commenced on Monday in Jos, Plateau State. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Training and Development (DTD), Mr. Frank Mba, described the initiative as timely and strategic for modern policing.
Mba, who was represented by a Commissioner of Police in the department, Mr. Eloho Okiazakpo, said the training was organised in partnership with the University of Jos and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to him, participants were selected from several conflict-affected states, including Borno, Zamfara, Benue, Katsina and Yobe, among others.
He explained that the programme is designed to strengthen officers’ capacity to address trauma, stress-related disorders and mental health concerns within their commands and units.
Mba urged the participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training to improve their effectiveness on duty and their interactions with members of the public.
He also encouraged them to serve as role models in their respective formations and ensure that the skills acquired are shared with their colleagues.
The training, he said, will run for 60 days of intensive classroom lectures, followed by 30 days of simulation and practical exercises.
Also speaking at the event, the Programme Specialist for Rule of Law and Human Rights at UNDP Nigeria, Mr. Napoleon Enayaba, described the programme as a significant step toward strengthening police reform and improving service delivery in conflict-prone areas.
He noted that law enforcement officers often operate under intense pressure, compounded by the psychological trauma experienced by communities, particularly women and girls, in conflict zones.
Enayaba said the initiative is the first of its kind in Nigeria, bringing together academic expertise and law enforcement to address gaps in psychological first-aid and trauma response.
Declaring the programme open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, said the training was carefully structured to provide participants with practical skills in counselling, crisis intervention, trauma management, conflict resolution, effective communication and ethical decision-making.
He added that beyond technical competence, the programme would also help improve the personal resilience and emotional well-being of the officers.
The vice-chancellor commended UNDP for its continued support in strengthening institutions, promoting human security and fostering sustainable peace and development in Nigeria.
He further encouraged public and private institutions to take advantage of the University of Jos’ capacity for research, training and human capital development
Police Begin 90-Day PTSD Training for Officers in Conflict-Affected States
