NHRC, Police Seek End To Torture, Arbitrary Arrests

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and key policing stakeholders have intensified efforts to institutionalise human rights-compliant policing, calling on Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and frontline commanders to fully embrace rights-based policing as the foundation for effective law enforcement across the country.

The renewed commitment was made at a town hall meeting tagged, “Embedding Human Rights Standards into Everyday Police Operations” in Abuja yesterday.

Speaking at the meeting on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, the Head of Civil and Policy Rights Department, NHRC, Halilu Adamu, said the event as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing police reform process, commending the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector-General of Police for their sustained collaboration with the Commission.

The Executive Secretary noted that the partnership reflects a shared determination to build a modern, professional and accountable police service capable of balancing effective law enforcement with the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.

Ojukwu described Divisional Police Officers as the first point of contact between citizens and the justice system, saying police stations remain places where the relationship between government and the people is tested daily.

He highlighted the recent public presentation of the Police Regulations 2025 and the inauguration of the NHRC-NPF Liaison Framework by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as major milestones that will transform police accountability.

According to the NHRC boss, the liaison framework creates a direct operational link between human rights monitors and police commanders, enabling real-time case tracking, quicker dispute resolution, stronger institutional oversight and greater compliance with international human rights standards.

The senior advocate explained that the framework also provides clear operational guidance for police officers, allowing them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities confidently while remaining within the limits of the law.

The NHRC chief executive maintained that, under Sections 5 and 6 of its establishing Act, it is legally empowered to conduct capacity-building programmes, review policing regulations and operational procedures, inspect detention facilities, monitor detention conditions and recommend corrective measures where abuses are identified.

He further emphasised that the Commission should not be viewed as an adversary of the police but as a statutory partner committed to protecting both citizens’ rights and the operational integrity of law enforcement agencies.

Ojukwu urged officers to move away from confession-driven investigations to intelligence-led and rights-based policing, arguing that such an approach would reduce allegations of torture, arbitrary detention and other human rights violations while shielding officers from legal liabilities.

The Commission further stressed that effective policing and human rights protection are complementary rather than conflicting objectives, insisting that public safety can only be guaranteed where citizens have confidence in law enforcement institutions.

In his goodwill message, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission in promoting procedural justice and rights-based policing nationwide.

The Inspector-General commended the NHRC and its partners, including the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and Partners West Africa Nigeria, for organising the multi-phase dialogue aimed at deepening compliance with the Anti-Torture Act 2017 and other constitutional safeguards protecting citizens.

He expressed optimism that the deliberations would produce practical recommendations capable of advancing a fully human rights-compliant policing system consistent with the ongoing reform agenda of the Nigeria Police Force.

The police chief also acknowledged the investments made by the Commission and its development partners in reducing human rights complaints against security agencies and improving public confidence in policing.

He assured stakeholders that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to strengthen its partnership with the NHRC while remaining committed to protecting lives and property in accordance with the Constitution and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.