The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, has concluded a two-day media interaction for journalists, content creators and other media professionals, with a renewed call for factual, responsible and ethical reporting of security matters.

The programme, held from September 15 to 16, 2026, was organised under the theme, “Reporting Security in the Digital Age: Curtailing Misinformation, Preventing Panic and Upholding Fact-Based Journalism in Nigeria.” It brought together 30 media professionals for practical learning, knowledge sharing and engagement with police authorities.

The second and final day featured sessions on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Public Communication, as well as Strategic Communications in Times of Crisis: Managing Information During Emergencies and High-Impact Events.

Participants were exposed to practical examples, breakout sessions and video illustrations on how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are transforming communication and content creation.

The sessions also examined the ethical implications and risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence, while emphasising the need for media professionals to verify information before publication, particularly when reporting security-related incidents.

Discussions on strategic communication during emergencies focused on the importance of timely, accurate and responsible dissemination of information to curb misinformation, public anxiety and unnecessary panic.

The programme further provided participants with an opportunity to interact with police officers involved in media relations and information management, offering practical insights into the challenges surrounding security communication and public information.

At the closing ceremony, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Victor Olaiya, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, DCP Adeola Odetunde, commended the participants for their active engagement throughout the programme.

Olaiya encouraged the media professionals to apply the knowledge gained during the interaction in their respective newsrooms and media platforms.

The Zone 7 Police Headquarters also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, partners, facilitators and participants for their contributions to the success of the programme.

The training formally ended with the presentation of certificates to participants.

The engagement reinforced the importance of collaboration between the Police and the media in promoting credible information, public confidence and effective security communication.

The central message of the two-day interaction was summed up by the organisers as: “Police + Media + Facts = A Safer, Better-Informed Public.”