Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu the Inspector-General of Police has directed Commissioners of Police across the country to take charge of the media space and build stronger relationships with the public, declaring that effective communication is now a critical component of policing.
Speaking recently 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, Disu said police commanders must combine operational competence with strategic public engagement.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the IGP said the position of a Commissioner of Police goes beyond its prestige, describing CPs as managers expected to provide leadership in every aspect of policing.
He urged them to dominate the media landscape, stressing that internal security remains the core responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP said: “Guns protect lives, but your voices protect our reputation.”
He further charged the senior officers to engage journalists as partners in nation-building rather than adversaries, advising them to establish cordial media relationships before crises arise.
Disu also called on the CPs to be proactive in handling security information, build credible public profiles and respond promptly to emerging situations.
He said officers should actively participate in community activities, including attending social events and visiting schools, to strengthen public confidence and leave lasting legacies in their areas of responsibility.
The police boss noted that media engagement had not traditionally formed part of the career development of many officers before their appointment as Commissioners of Police, adding that the workshop was designed to bridge that gap.
Earlier, Provost of the Nigeria Police Public Relations School, retired Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu, said public relations officers manage the image of the Force but do not create it.
According to him, “the true face of the Police remains its field officers, whose professionalism ultimately wins public affection.”
He urged participants to replicate the knowledge gained during the workshop among officers under their commands, noting that seven resource persons had been assembled for the training.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the IGP said the position of a Commissioner of Police goes beyond its prestige, describing CPs as managers expected to provide leadership in every aspect of policing.
He urged them to dominate the media landscape, stressing that internal security remains the core responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP said: “Guns protect lives, but your voices protect our reputation.”
He further charged the senior officers to engage journalists as partners in nation-building rather than adversaries, advising them to establish cordial media relationships before crises arise.
Disu also called on the CPs to be proactive in handling security information, build credible public profiles and respond promptly to emerging situations.
He said officers should actively participate in community activities, including attending social events and visiting schools, to strengthen public confidence and leave lasting legacies in their areas of responsibility.
The police boss noted that media engagement had not traditionally formed part of the career development of many officers before their appointment as Commissioners of Police, adding that the workshop was designed to bridge that gap.
Earlier, Provost of the Nigeria Police Public Relations School, retired Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu, said public relations officers manage the image of the Force but do not create it.
According to him, “the true face of the Police remains its field officers, whose professionalism ultimately wins public affection.”
He urged participants to replicate the knowledge gained during the workshop among officers under their commands, noting that seven resource persons had been assembled for the training.