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By Faheem Lawal
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Wednesday declared open a Mental Health Awareness and Coaching Workshop for officers of the Nigeria Police Force, aimed at strengthening personnel’s emotional resilience and operational effectiveness.
According to the police public relations officer CSP Ani Iniedu, the IGP was represented at the event by the Force Medical Director, AIG Nkechi Eze. The workshop, coordinated by the Department of Training and Development in partnership with Awesome Valley Consult Ltd and the Directorate of Force Medical Services, is targeted at more than 100 officers drawn from the Counter Terrorism Unit, Police Mobile Force, Special Protection Unit, Intelligence Response Team, Special Intervention Squad, Special Tactical Squad and FCT police divisions.
In remarks delivered on his behalf, Disu outlined his approved policy direction on mental health coaching, stressing early identification of mental health concerns, timely intervention and referral for professional care. He said the demanding nature of police work requires practical coping skills and accessible support systems that allow officers to seek help without stigma, adding that recognising signs of stress and burnout in oneself and colleagues is essential to a healthy workforce.
The lead facilitator, Maimuna Ummi Abdullahi, known as Coach Diddi, a Mental Health and Emotional Resilience Coach and Team Lead of Awesome Valley Consult Ltd, said coaching for officers exposed to high-pressure situations promotes self-awareness, stress management and early help-seeking. She clarified that coaching complements, rather than replaces, clinical assessment and treatment.
DIG Isyaku Mohammed reaffirmed the Department of Training and Development’s commitment to sustained, needs-based training in collaboration with the Directorate of Force Medical Services. Senior officers at the event included CP Aina Adesola, CP L. Ibrahim and CP M. Umar.
The IGP reiterated that personnel welfare remains central to the Force’s commitment to professionalism, urging officers to prioritise their mental health, seek assistance early and support colleagues facing emotional or psychological difficulties, while upholding discipline and respect for the public.
