The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has disclosed that the police reform will also focus on the role of women in policing the country.
Ribadu said the robust reform within the police is certain.
He spoke at the 2023 Women Peace Forum convened by the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), with the theme: strengthening women’s strategy engagement in climate – focused peacemaking in Nigeria, in Abuja.
Ribadu, who was represented by Zakari Mijinyawa, Chief Communication Officer, Office of the NSA, said security and peace in the country is inevitable, adding that women should be part of the development.
He said,
“There is going to be a robust reform within the police. It is the belief of the NSA that this reform of the Nigerian police will look at the role of women and gender issues as far as policing is concerned.
“The center has been critical over the years in supporting a lot of programmes in the national security sector. And as a country Nigeria has ensured that gender mainstreaming is a critical aspect of our policy processes in the challenges that we have faced over the years.
“For example in 2015, for the first time, gender security was included in the national security strategy. This is a major statement for the country and its aliens with a lot of processes globally.
“Now, why this is critical is that for the first time this national security strategy in 2015 says that Nigeria is moving to a human security focus.”
We all know the element of human security, the lack of which affects our women globally. So, it is at the heart of policy strategy.
“When we were building the national counter terrorism strategy, we ensured that gender was mainstream. Also, I remember that upon developing the policy framework and national action plan for preventing a country via extremism, the place of women, youths, girls, their care and participation is key.
“So, in this implementation, a lot of programming has gone on especially in terms of community policing.
“Within this new administration, if you look at the renewed hope agenda, this is a critical component in both security, economy, and social focus. And from the appointments and the participation of women so far from the campaign to governance you can see that there is a key determination to involve women and to ensure that this involvement contributes significantly to bringing solution.”
