The Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command has partnered with the GS Foundation to unveil a state-of-the-art “Gender Lab” aimed at improving how gender related offences are investigated and prosecuted.
The ultra-modern facility, located within the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Rivers State Police Command, is expected to strengthen technology-driven policing and provide a more victim-centered approach to justice delivery.
Equipped with advanced forensic technology, digital evidence management systems, confidential counseling spaces, and coordinated legal support services, the Gender Lab is aimed at ensuring survivors of abuse receive protection, dignity and speedy access to justice.
Landmark Intervention
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, representative of GS Foundation, Mr. Peter Heepen, described the initiative as a landmark intervention targeted at improving institutional responses to domestic violence, abuse, exploitation, and other gender-related crimes.
READ ALSO: Minister, Global Partners Target Rising Digital GBV
According to him, the Gender Lab represents more than just a physical structure, stressing that it symbolises hope, protection, and justice for survivors of violence.
“The Gender Lab is not just a facility; it is a beacon of hope, protection, and justice for survivors. Through this collaboration, we are building a safer society where victims are empowered to speak up and offenders are held accountable through professional and technology-based investigations,” he stated.
Protect Vulnerable Persons
Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the GS Foundation and development partners for the initiative, describing it as a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve investigative standards and protect vulnerable persons across the state.
The Police Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to embracing innovation and strategic partnerships to tackle gender-based violence and other emerging crimes effectively,
CP Adepoju also praised the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu for championing reforms focused on modern, intelligence-led, and technology-based policing nationwide.
He noted that the establishment of the Gender Lab aligns with the vision of the current police leadership to promote professionalism, accountability, human rights protection, and efficient service delivery.
He further expressed appreciation to international partners and supporting organisations whose technical assistance and collaboration made the project a reality, emphasising that the facility would contribute immensely to justice reform and community safety in Rivers State.
The Gender Lab is expected to function as a specialised center for advanced forensic evidence collection and preservation, psychosocial support services for victims, training and capacity building for officers on gender-sensitive investigations, as well as data-driven analysis of gender-related crimes to strengthen preventive policing strategies.
Stakeholders at the event described the launch as a historic turning point in the battle against gender-based violence.
They noted that the facility positions the Rivers State Police Command among leading law enforcement institutions embracing compassionate and technology-driven policing in Nigeria.
The unveiling of the Gender Lab is widely seen as a bold step toward restoring confidence in the justice system and improving support for survivors, while reinforcing efforts to ensure perpetrators of gender-based violence are brought to justice swiftly and professionally.
