Chukwu Obinna 
BAYELSA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force in Bayelsa State launches a specialised mental health and trauma-response training programme, as senior officers stress that psychological wellbeing is central to effective and professional law enforcement.
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa, Daniel Iyamah, delivers the charge on Thursday in Yenagoa during the opening of a Nigeria Police Trust Fund–supported programme titled Integrated Mental Health, Trauma-Informed Care and Emergency Response.
Addressing participating officers, Iyamah links mental resilience directly to operational efficiency, ethical conduct and public trust, noting that modern policing increasingly exposes personnel to traumatic and high-pressure situations.
“Mental health is the foundation upon which we build our lives, our relationships and our dreams,” Iyamah says. “Without sound psychological wellbeing, effective policing becomes difficult.”
He commends the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for prioritising officer welfare and professional development, describing the training as both timely and strategically necessary for a force confronting evolving security threats.
Iyamah explains that officers frequently encounter violence, distress and emergency scenarios that can take a psychological toll if left unaddressed. “These challenges demand officers who are emotionally intelligent, mentally resilient and capable of managing crises without compromising professionalism,” he adds.
The commissioner urges participants to actively engage with the training content and apply the lessons within their daily duties. He also calls on officers to serve as mental health advocates within their respective units.
According to Iyamah, psychologically stable officers demonstrate greater empathy, restraint and respect for human rights during public engagement.
Participants are encouraged to integrate trauma-informed practices into routine policing across Bayelsa Command, reinforcing community trust and enhancing service delivery.
The programme forms part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to strengthen institutional capacity through targeted welfare and skills-development initiatives nationwide.
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