There can be no development without peace and security. The role that these two play in development cannot be over emphasized. Equally, there can be no security without trust in the police. Across the world, effective policing is at the frontline of public trust. When the police work well, it protects rights, prevents violence, and holds society together. But when it falters, peace, security and stability, the fabric of society is at risk. 

In Nigeria, citizens face evolving security threats that demand a police service that is both professional and people-centred. The Supporting Police Accountability and Transformation (SPAAT) project is the third phase of UNDP-led police reform efforts in Nigeria in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Global-Security-Sector-Reform Foundation, and CLEEN Foundation with funding from the Federal Government of Germany- this support started in December 2021. The overall programme aims to advance police reform and transformation processes in Nigeria, focusing on police readiness, welfare, and professional standards. Among other key accomplishments include: 

Policy and governance: Introduction and validation of police regulations under the Police Act 2020, alongside strategies to strengthen gender mainstreaming, leadership accountability, and internal oversight critical for the long-term sustainability of NPF reforms. The first-ever national policing plan was developed to promote data-driven decision-making and planning. A guideline for the Legal Directorate of the Nigeria Police Force has been finalised and is awaiting the IGP's approval. In addition, the IGP has placed the Police Reform Secretary (PRS) in his Secretariat to direct coherence of reform endeavours within the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen dialogue with the international community on a more joined-up international reform effort of the police. 

Training and leadership development: A strong cadre of 81 senior police trainers was established, including 33 women. Over 1,939 operational police personnel were up-skilled in areas such as investigations, human rights, gender, investigations, use of force, ethical conduct, leadership, trauma, and community police. Additionally, 233 future police leaders were trained as part of a strategic effort to build a capable and confident leadership pipeline, supported by a tailored women’s leadership mentoring programme within the Gender Unit, benefiting 95 women officers to date. 

Institutional strengthening: The Police Reform Secretariat (PRS) was re-established and operationalized as a more efficient and effective coordination hub for reform efforts. Strategic and policy support was provided to the Department of Training and Development (DTD), positioning it as a national centre of excellence for police training. 

Digital innovation: The programme introduced digital platforms such as the Gender Lab for managing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) data and a digital recruitment system for the Police Service Commission (PSC) to enhance transparency and efficiency. A foundational course on artificial intelligence (AI) and policing was designed and delivered to 45 police trainers, marking a forward-looking step in integrating digital literacy into policing.

Community engagement: The Garki Community-Based Policing Pilot in Abuja benefited 34 police personnel including 6 women officers and approximately 258,400 residents, helping to identify a context-specific and responsive model for potential national rollout. Community engagement: The Garki Community-Based Policing Pilot in Abuja benefited 34 police personnel including 6 women officers and approximately 258,400 residents, helping to identify a context-specific and responsive model for potential national rollout.

Rights-based policing: The programme supported the strengthening of the police legal section in Legal Directorate at Police Headquarters in Abuja and 15 State Commands in i. Force Headquarters Abuja (Force Legal Abuja), ii. Enugu State Command, iii. Abia State Command, iv. Akwa Ibom State Command, v. Anambra State Command, vi. Edo State Command, vii. FCT Command, vii. Imo State Command, ix. Kaduna State Command, x. Kano State Command, xi. Lagos State Command (State CID Yaba), xii. Plateau State Command, xiii. Oyo State Command, xiv. River State Command, xv. Kwara State Command and xvi. Borno State Command, enabling them to champion rights-based policing and improve access to justice. 

As a complementary initiative, 66 lawyers (26 female and 40 male) were deployed to selected police stations in 64 police stations across Edo State, Nigeria, to provide legal counsel to detainees, bridging the gap between policing and justice delivery. 

Infrastructure and equipment support: Police training schools and departments, including legal, ICT, and medical units, received infrastructure upgrades and equipment support. Solar energy systems were installed to ensure a reliable renewable power supply, benefiting approximately 140,000 police personnel and 6,000,000 (six million) community members in 16 states, including the FCT. 

Mental health and conflict prevention: Recognizing the link between trauma and policing effectiveness, the programme piloted trauma assistance for police officers returning from deployments in conflict-prone locations like Katsina. This approach indirectly helped 155 policemen and approximately 60 local communities by enhancing police-community interactions and promoting social cohesion. 

Police Accountability: The project continued to build on its earlier efforts to strengthen civilian oversight, beginning with the two-year strategic plan for the Police Service Commission (PSC). Further, UNDP targeted the full management cadre of the PSC, comprising 68 senior officials (19 female), including commissioners, directors, and the chairman, for capacity strengthening. This engagement catalysed PSC’s renewed assertion of its mandate, resulting in the development of promotion guidelines and active participation in disciplinary frameworks. The PSC also leveraged its involvement in Police Regulations design and it is further asserting its roles, which hitherto were unexercised.