By Jumoke Olaitan
The President, Nigerian Association of Forensic Psychologists (NAFP), Dr David Shekwolo, has stressed the importance of forensic psychology in strengthening national security, justice delivery and the welfare of security personnel.
Shekwolo made the assertion at the 2026 Annual Scientific Conference, General Meeting and Training of the association, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abuja on Tuesday.
The conference has as its theme: “Forensic Psychology Practice in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges.”
Shekwolo said the conference, being held outside an academic institution for the first time, was aimed at bridging the gap between theory and practical application of forensic psychology.
He said the increasing security challenges in the country, including terrorism, banditry, drug abuse and cybercrime, had made the application of forensic psychology more important.
“Our nation faces complex and evolving security challenges: from terrorism, banditry, to drug abuse and cybercrime, along with the psychological toll on victims and on those in uniform.” he said.
Shekwolo said the collaboration with the NSCDC and the inclusion of a training component marked an important development for forensic psychology in Nigeria.
“This announces an intention of the leadership of the association to reset the discipline of forensic psychology in Nigeria. It is not going to be business as usual,” he said.
He also said the growing participation of security and law-enforcement agencies showed increasing national recognition of the importance of forensic psychology to criminal justice and security.
He said Nigeria had an opportunity to lead the specialisation in Africa by developing credible research and standards that reflected the country’s realities.
The president expressed appreciation to the NSCDC for the collaboration and for opening its doors to the association.
Also speaking, the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, said understanding human behaviour, trauma, aggression, decision-making and psychological resilience was essential to effective security management.
Audi, represented by the Deputy Commandant-General, Nnamdi Nwinyi, said forensic psychology could help in crime investigation, understanding criminals, supporting victims, rehabilitating offenders and improving security operations.
According to him, security personnel exposed to terrorism, insurgency and other traumatic operations can develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making psychological assessment and post-deployment care necessary.
“We must create forensic psychology desks within our security agencies and ensure that mental health is not an afterthought but a core pillar of national security strategy,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration among forensic psychologists, security agencies, the judiciary, correctional institutions and universities.
In his remarks, the President of the Pan-African Psychology Union, Prof. Andrew Zamani, urged Nigeria and other African countries to develop forensic psychology curricula that addressed local challenges.
Zamani called for the “decolonisation” of psychology training, noting that many African curricula and approaches to assessment were still largely based on Western models.
“If we must make a difference, then it means that forensic psychologists, law enforcement agents and security agents must discuss on the table the issue of decolonisation.” he said.
He said forensic psychology training should reflect African realities and help professionals develop solutions suited to the continent’s security and justice challenges.
Zamani also said Nigeria’s leadership in forensic psychology comes with a responsibility to develop new standards and research that can strengthen the field across Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference brought together psychologists, security officers, academics and other stakeholders. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
Comments