Nigeria Police expands Gender-Based Violence Desks to all divisions

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the nationwide expansion of its Gender-Based Violence (GBV) desk offices to all police divisions, a move aimed at improving access to justice and enhancing service delivery for victims.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who approved the expansion, stated that the initiative reinforces the force’s commitment to upholding human rights and protecting vulnerable populations.

Previously limited to zonal and state commands, GBV desks will now be present at divisional levels, providing quicker, specialized responses to cases of gender-based violence.

To ensure effective handling of GBV cases, the IGP has directed the appointment of qualified officers as GBV desk officers. These officers will undergo specialized training to equip them with the necessary skills and expertise for managing such cases with professionalism and sensitivity.

In addition, the divisional GBV desk officers will oversee the Juvenile, Women, and Children (JWC) sections in their respective divisions. This integration is expected to provide a holistic approach to handling gender-based violence and related incidents while fostering a supportive environment for victims.

The Nigeria Police Force has urged citizens to report incidents of violence and take advantage of the expanded desk offices to seek justice and protection.

The IGP reiterated the force’s commitment to ensuring the rights and freedoms of all citizens are protected without discrimination.