No fewer than 50 Police officers in Kaduna State are undergoing a two-day training on Psychological First Aid to enhance their response to mental health crises.
Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Abdullahi Ibrahim, explained that this initiative will enable officers to effectively handle cases involving mental health issues, allowing for a more sensitive and informed approach, when responding to crises.
The training, organised in partnership with the Nigeria Police Medical Service and Idimma Health Initiative, aims to equip officers with skills to recognise and respond to mental health emergencies, particularly in cases involving suicide.
The initiative empowers officers, often the first responders, to offer immediate support and help de-escalate high-stress situations, when mental health is at risk.
With Nigeria facing a shortage of mental health professionals, task-sharing has become an essential strategy to bridge the gap.
CP Abdullahi Ibrahim highlighted the importance of the training, which is designed to empower police officers to respond with greater care and understanding, to mental health-related incidents.
The initiative is anticipated to enhance the overall response to mental health emergencies in Kaduna, and may set a model for similar programmes across other Nigerian states.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
