Commission urges shift to intelligence-led policing, warns against rights violations at station level.
By A1 News International | Abuja, Nigeria
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has convened a townhall meeting with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in the Federal Capital Territory to strengthen rights-based policing and accountability.
The engagement focuses on aligning police operations with constitutional safeguards and international best practices.
NHRC Sets New Policing Standards
Speaking at the event in Abuja on Friday, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN), described the engagement as a new phase in standard-setting for policing in Nigeria.
Represented by the Head of Civil and Political Rights, Halilu Adamu, Ojukwu noted that the recent handover of the Police Regulations 2025 marks a critical step in redefining professional conduct within the force.
He said the regulations provide operational clarity for officers while reinforcing accountability and compliance with human rights standards.
According to him, DPOs occupy a strategic position as frontline enforcers of justice, where public trust in law enforcement is either built or eroded.
Shift to Intelligence-Led Policing
The Commission urged officers to transition from confession-based investigations to intelligence-led policing, anchored on evidence gathering and due process.
Ojukwu emphasised strict adherence to key legal frameworks, including the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and the Anti-Torture Act 2017.
He noted that compliance would protect both citizens and officers from legal consequences associated with rights violations.
The NHRC also stressed the importance of electronic recording of statements and ensuring the presence of legal counsel during interrogations, in line with statutory requirements.
Focus on Capacity Building and Accountability
Adamu explained that the townhall aims to institutionalise a culture of human rights compliance within the FCT Police Command.
He said the initiative includes legal capacity building, technical training on forensic investigation methods, and behavioural reforms to reduce reliance on coercive practices.
The Commission further called for improved collaboration between the police, Legal Aid Council, and Correctional Service to address issues such as unlawful detention and congestion of awaiting trial inmates.
Police Assure Compliance
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Sanusi, represented by CSP Hiliary Unnug, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to improving operational standards.
He said the command would adopt modern policing technologies and ensure strict compliance with laws protecting citizens’ rights.
Sanusi also warned that officers found violating fundamental rights would face disciplinary action.
The townhall was attended by DPOs across the FCT, alongside legal experts and NHRC officials who delivered technical sessions on human rights compliance and criminal justice procedures.
The initiative highlights ongoing efforts to reform policing in Nigeria by embedding human rights compliance at the operational level. Effective implementation could reduce abuses, improve public trust, and strengthen the criminal justice system.
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