POLICE COLLEGE OJI-RIVER, DALLAIRE INSTITUTE BEGINS 3-DAY WORKSHOP ON PREVENTING RECRUITMENT OF CHILDREN IN ARMED VIOLENCE
By Felix Oti, Enugu
The Police College, Oji-River, Enugu State, in collaboration with the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, has commenced a three-day workshop on Preventing the Recruitment and Use of Children in Armed Violence
Declaring the workshop open, the Commandant, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Emmanuel Simon Bretet, PSC(+), MSPSP, who was represented by DCP Promise Chinedu Udeh, PSC(+), MNIPS, welcomed representatives of the Dallaire Institute, the Deputy Commandant, CP Uduak Otu Ita, PSC(+), FSI, MNIPS, facilitators, and participants.
In his address, AIG Bretet described the workshop as “timely and significant,” stressing that children remain among the most vulnerable in society and must be protected from exploitation, abuse, and recruitment into armed groups or criminal syndicates.
“Every child deserves to grow in an environment that guarantees safety, dignity, quality education, and equal opportunities to attain his or her full potential, he said.
The Commandant noted that the Nigeria Police Force has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, enforce the law, and safeguard the rights of all citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as children.
He explained that the workshop is anchored on key national and international legal instruments, including Sections 185–187 of the Child Rights Act, 2003, UN Security Council Resolutions 1612, 1882, 2143 and 2225 on Children and Armed Conflict, and Article 22 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, 1990.
According to him, these frameworks provide clear obligations for law enforcement agencies to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed violence, protect their rights, and ensure appropriate interventions.
AIG Bretet added that the workshop is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and professional competence to identify, prevent, investigate, and respond to cases involving children affected by armed violence.
He urged participants to actively engage in all sessions, share experiences, and transfer the knowledge gained to other officers and recruits in their various commands.
“This will strengthen institutional capacity and promote sustainable child protection practices throughout the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
The Commandant commended the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security for partnering with the NPF, expressing confidence that the collaboration would enhance professionalism, accountability, and human rights-based policing.
The workshop brings together senior officers from Police College Oji-River, Police Detective College Enugu, Enugu State Police Command, and other resource persons.
The three-day training underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police to continuous capacity building, promotion of child rights, and professional policing standards that protect children from the devastating effects of armed conflict and violence.
