As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting democratic accountability and protecting vulnerable groups, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) conducted an advocacy visit to the Gwagwalada Division Police Station in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on February 18, 2026. The visit focused on strengthening collaboration between civil society and law enforcement on election security and the prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The CITAD delegation included Mr. Johnson Maichibi Musa, a member of the CITAD Abuja team, and Mrs. Yesmin Salako, CITAD Abuja team member and GBV focal person. The team was received by Mr. Aaron Kaura, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Gwagwalada Police Division.
During the engagement, discussions centered on ensuring a peaceful electoral process and improving institutional responses to gender-based violence in the community.
Addressing Election Security Concerns
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Johnson Maichibi Musa raised concerns about the uneven deployment of security personnel during elections. He noted that some remote communities with significant voter populations often receive limited security presence, which could potentially create vulnerabilities during the electoral process.
In response, DPO Aaron Kaura acknowledged the concern and reassured the CITAD team that the police command is working closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure adequate security arrangements during elections. He further pledged that the division would make efforts to deploy additional security personnel to underserved and remote areas to ensure that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.
Strengthening Collaboration on GBV Prevention
The conversation also addressed the urgent need to strengthen collaboration between law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations in tackling gender-based violence.
Mrs. Yesmin Salako highlighted CITAD’s ongoing efforts to address GBV in communities. She explained that the organization had previously trained 40 paralegals on GBV-related issues, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to support victims and improve reporting mechanisms.
She proposed a formal partnership between CITAD and the Gwagwalada Police Division to enhance the reporting, documentation, and response to GBV cases. According to her, improved collaboration between police officers and trained community actors would significantly strengthen support systems for survivors.
The Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Aaron Kaura, strongly condemned gender-based violence, child abuse, and all forms of violence, emphasizing that such acts have no place in society. He expressed the division’s readiness to work with CITAD and other civil society actors to improve prevention efforts and ensure effective handling of GBV cases.
Key Outcomes of the Visit
The advocacy visit yielded several important outcomes. The DPO committed to improving the deployment of security personnel to remote communities during elections to ensure better protection for voters. He also pledged to collaborate with CITAD on initiatives aimed at preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
In addition, both parties agreed to maintain an open channel of communication and engagement, ensuring that civil society organizations and law enforcement agencies can work together more effectively in addressing community concerns.
Strengthening Civil Society–Police Collaboration
The visit further strengthened the relationship between the CITAD Abuja team and the Gwagwalada Police Division, laying the groundwork for future collaboration on election monitoring, civic engagement, and protection of vulnerable populations.
Through initiatives such as this advocacy visit, CITAD continues to play an important role in promoting peaceful democratic processes, strengthening community safety, and advancing the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria.