The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has urged Nigerians to break the silence surrounding suicide and show greater compassion towards people experiencing emotional or psychological distress.
The Force made the appeal on Thursday as the world marked World Suicide Prevention Day, joining the global campaign against the stigma and silence that often prevent people from speaking about their struggles.
The police noted that people experiencing serious emotional difficulties might not always display obvious warning signs, stressing the need for family members, friends, colleagues and other members of the public to pay attention and reach out.
In a message marking the day, the Force urged Nigerians to check on people around them, listen without judgement and encourage those experiencing difficulties to seek appropriate support.
It said a simple conversation, a listening ear or timely intervention could make a meaningful difference in the life of someone going through a difficult period.
The police also called for greater public awareness and compassion in addressing suicide, stressing the importance of creating an environment where people can speak openly about their struggles without fear of stigma or judgement.
The Force said, ‘A person who is struggling may not always show it. Taking the time to listen, check in on someone, offer support and encourage them to seek appropriate help can make a meaningful difference.’
The NPF also called for greater openness in discussing suicide and mental health, saying stigma could make vulnerable people withdraw further and discourage them from seeking assistance.
It urged Nigerians to create supportive environments where people can speak about their challenges without fear of condemnation or ridicule.
‘Let us challenge the stigma and silence that can prevent people from speaking about what they are going through,’ the Force said.
The police said, ‘Let us listen without judgement, respond with compassion, and encourage those who may be struggling to seek appropriate support’.
The police stressed that suicide prevention should not be left to individuals or professionals alone, but requires collective responsibility from families, communities, workplaces and relevant support services.
The Force called on Nigerians to take signs of distress seriously and to encourage people who may be at risk to seek appropriate professional help.
The appeal is part of broader efforts to promote compassion, early intervention and open conversations around suicide prevention, while reminding Nigerians that reaching out to someone in distress can be an important first step towards getting help.