In a move to combat gender-based violence (GBV), the Nigeria Police Force is rolling out GBV desk offices at all divisional headquarters across the country.
This initiative, announced on Saturday by Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, aims to provide immediate and professional support to victims at the grassroots level.
Previously confined to zonal and state commands, the expansion of GBV desks is a significant step toward enhancing service delivery and access to justice for survivors.
In the statement, Adejobi states that the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has approved this initiative, emphasising the need for specialised attention to GBV cases.
“In a decisive move to reinforce our commitment to human rights, IGP Egbetokun has mandated the establishment of GBV desk offices in every police division,” Adejobi states. “This initiative will ensure that victims receive prompt, specialised, and professional attention.”
To facilitate this expansion, each division will appoint trained officers dedicated to handling GBV-related cases. These officers will undergo specialised training to equip them with the necessary skills and sensitivity required for effective intervention.
The newly appointed GBV desk officers will also oversee the Juvenile, Women, and Children (JWC) sections within their divisions. “This integration fosters a holistic approach to addressing gender-based violence, creating a supportive environment for victims and ensuring swift justice delivery,” Adejobi adds
