Kano Police Launch Retraining Workshop to Boost Professionalism, Human Rights Compliance

The Kano State Police Command has commenced a retraining workshop for its officers aimed at enhancing professionalism, improving public relations, and ensuring adherence to human rights standards across the state.

The exercise, which kicked off on Monday at the Police Officers’ Mess in Bompai, brought together officers from various units to share experiences and learn best practices under the guidance of experts.

Facilitator and PR consultant Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah, a PhD candidate at Nasarawa State University, emphasised the critical role of professionalism in every police interaction.

“Every police officer on the street is a walking public relations officer. Every checkpoint interaction, every response to a complaint, every conversation at the front desk these are reputation-defining moments,” he said.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, explained that the training covers community policing, conflict resolution, and human rights protection.

“Our goal is to ensure officers leave this training with practical skills they can apply while engaging with the public,” he stated.

The retraining programme is scheduled to be rolled out across all 11 Area Commands, 78 Police Divisions, and two Police Mobile Squadrons in the state, and will run for several days with mandatory full participation.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, described the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and community engagement.

“Professionalism, respect for human rights, and efficient public relations are non-negotiable in modern policing. Our officers must understand that public trust is central to effective law enforcement,” Bakori said.

Other resource persons include seasoned practitioners in law enforcement, human rights, and community engagement, who will guide officers on practical ways to foster trust, handle conflicts peacefully, and enhance community visibility.

Isah stressed that good public relations is essential for building a responsive police service. “A professional officer not only enforces the law but earns the respect and confidence of the public. Every action contributes to the reputation of the Force,” he added.

Kiyawa noted that the training emphasises scenario-based learning, role plays, and case studies to help officers internalise human rights principles. “Policing is not just about enforcing rules; it’s about building relationships and fostering peace,” he said.

The commissioner urged officers to approach the training with sincerity and implement lessons learned in the field.

“This is not a mere formality. It is a strategic intervention to ensure our personnel serve the people effectively, protect human rights, and strengthen community trust,” Bakori stated.

The retraining initiative comes amid growing public expectations for accountable policing. According to Kiyawa, the workshop will help officers mediate conflicts without escalation, provide timely assistance, and improve public confidence.

The Kano State Police Command assured the public that similar workshops will be conducted periodically and stressed that community feedback will shape future training and policing strategies.

Officers are expected to demonstrate commitment, actively participate, and apply the knowledge gained to improve policing standards and public relations across Kano State.