Social Action Initiates Human Rights Training for Delta Police

In a move to tackle brutality, arbitrary detention and other rights violations by the Nigeria Police Force, Social Action, in partnership with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation and with  support from the European Union, has launched a State-to-State Police Training Programme in Delta State.

The one-day capacity-building workshop, held Monday in Asaba, drew officers from divisions across the state capital under the theme: “Citizens-Focused Policing Approach: Policing to Promote Human Rights and Rule of Law.”

The initiative comes amid lingering public distrust fueled by past allegations of abuse, unlawful detention and excessive use of force.

Declaring the workshop open, Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, said security and human rights remain inseparable pillars of democratic governance, noting that violations occur not only in policing but also in private offices and other institutions.

The CP, who was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, charged officers to maintain fairness, restraint and legality in the discharge of their duties, particularly in handling cases involving women and children.

He also emphasized the need for collaboration with civil society organisations and the justice sector to ensure accountability and adequate support for victims.

Earlier, the  Programme Director of Social Action, Mr. Botti Isaac, said the training was designed to strengthen officers’ knowledge of human rights and due process, stressing  that effective policing must operate strictly within legal boundaries while respecting citizens’ rights.

Mr Isaac acknowledged the central role of the Nigeria Police in maintaining law and order but admitted that historical misconduct had eroded public confidence.

“This is part of a broader reform effort to rebuild trust and promote ethical law enforcement,” he said, urging participants to serve as change agents in their respective divisions.

Across five intensive sessions of the training , facilitators engaged participants on the rule of law, presumption of Suspects’ innocence right, and the legal limits of detention, particularly the constitutional 24-hour rule.

Barrister Odunna Fidelis, who led multiple sessions, described the police as “primary defenders of human rights,” stressing that professionalism remains the foundation of democratic policing.

Another session, facilitated by Mrs. Ifeanyi Maureen, focused on gender-sensitive policing and safeguarding the rights of women and the girl child.

The workshop ended with renewed calls for accountability, professionalism and strengthened police-community relations across Delta State.