The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged Commissioners of Police (CPs) across the country to take charge of the media space and strengthen public confidence in policing through proactive communication and strategic engagement with the public.
Disu gave the charge on Wednesday while declaring open a two-day workshop on “Enhancing Strategic Communication and Media Relations” for Commissioners of Police at the Nigeria Police Public Relations School (NPPRS), Abuja Centre.
The workshop brought together Commissioners of Police from commands nationwide, members of the Force Management Team, resource persons and senior police officers.
In his welcome address, the Provost of the NPPRS, retired Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu, traced the evolution of the institution from Kulende in Ilorin through Lafia to its permanent Abuja Centre. He stressed that Police Public Relations Officers do not create the image of the Force but manage it, noting that the conduct and professionalism of officers on the field ultimately shape public perception.
Ojukwu urged the participating CPs to replicate the knowledge gained during the workshop within their respective commands, adding that seven resource persons had been assembled to facilitate the training.
Addressing the participants, IGP Disu commended police officers across the country for their dedication and operational successes, noting that many senior officers have limited exposure to media engagement before their appointment as Commissioners of Police, making the workshop both timely and necessary.
He reminded the CPs that their responsibilities extend beyond operational policing, describing them as managers and leaders who must remain visible and connected to the communities they serve.
The IGP encouraged the police commissioners to attend community and social events, visit schools and pursue initiatives that would leave lasting positive legacies in their host states.
Disu further charged the CPs to be proactive in their communication, cultivate strong media relationships and regard journalists as partners in promoting public safety rather than adversaries.
He emphasised the importance of engaging the media before crises arise, responding promptly to emerging situations and communicating with humility.
“Guns protect lives, but your voices protect our reputation,” the IGP said, underscoring the critical role of strategic communication in modern policing.
He also reaffirmed that internal security remains the core mandate of the Nigeria Police Force and commended recent clearance operations led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, as well as the Commissioners of Police in Kogi and other states.
The workshop form part of the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the communication capacity of its senior officers and promote a more professional, accessible and people-oriented police service across the country.
