The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has pledged robust media support for community policing initiatives while calling for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the growing menace of “one-chance” robberies in Abuja.
Chairman of the Council, Comrade Grace Ike, made the commitment while delivering a goodwill message during the operational tour of the FCT Police Command by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Training and Development, DIG Isyaku Mohammed, at the Command Headquarters in Abuja.
She assured the police of the media’s continued partnership in amplifying verified information, educating residents on safety measures, and showcasing successful security operations aimed at restoring public confidence.
“We stand ready to support community policing initiatives that bring police and citizens together. Responsible, factual reporting helps build trust, encourages victims to report crimes, and amplifies preventive messages that save lives,” she said.
Comrade Ike described the increasing cases of “one-chance” robberies—where criminals posing as commercial or private vehicle operators rob unsuspecting passengers—as a major security concern in the FCT, noting that women and young commuters remain the most vulnerable.
She lamented that many victims fail to report such incidents due to fear, trauma, or lack of confidence in the system, a situation she said allows perpetrators to continue operating unchecked.
The NUJ FCT chairman advocated a holistic response involving strengthened police patrols, intelligence gathering, improved public transport safety, community engagement, victim support services, and sustained public awareness campaigns through the media.
She also urged security agencies to regard journalists as strategic partners in the fight against crime, stressing that timely dissemination of verified information would help counter misinformation and strengthen public trust in policing.
Comrade Ike commended the FCT Police Command for its ongoing modernization efforts and praised the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP (Prof.) Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, as well as the Command’s Police Public Relations Office, for maintaining a cordial relationship with the media.
She reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to balanced, factual, and accountable reporting that highlights the achievements of the police while promoting transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
The NUJ chairman further called for regular dialogue and capacity-building programmes between journalists and the police to foster mutual understanding and improve coordinated responses to crime.
“We need sustained collaboration across government agencies, transport unions, community leaders, and the media to close the gaps that enable these crimes,” she stated.
Comrade Ike also welcomed the Inspector-General of Police’s operational assessment of Zone 7, described the visit by DIG Isyaku Mohammed as evidence of the police leadership’s commitment to addressing security challenges at the grassroots. She wished the DIG, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, and officers of the FCT Command success and safety in the discharge of their duties.
