The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has challenged Commissioners of Police to take control of public narratives by embracing proactive media engagement, warning that effective policing requires both operational excellence and strategic communication.
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 Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement, saying the workshop brought together members of the Force Management Team, senior police officers and communication experts to strengthen the media engagement capacity of the Police leadership.
According to Iniedu, the Inspector-General noted that while many senior officers had built distinguished operational careers, media engagement had not traditionally formed part of their professional development before attaining the rank of Commissioner of Police.
He said the workshop was designed to bridge that gap by equipping participants with the communication skills required to inspire public confidence and project a more professional and people-oriented Police Force.
“The Inspector-General charged the Commissioners of Police to dominate the media space, describing internal security as the core mandate of the Nigeria Police Force. He urged them to be proactive rather than reactive, build their character and media presence, and treat journalists as partners rather than adversaries,” Iniedu stated.
The police spokesman said Disu reminded the senior officers that the office of a Commissioner of Police extends beyond operational command, stressing that they are leaders and managers who must remain visible within their communities.
According to him, the Inspector-General encouraged the CPs to participate in community activities, visit schools and build lasting relationships capable of strengthening public trust in the Police.
“He charged them to engage the public with humility, respond swiftly to unfolding situations and build relationships with the media before crises occur. ‘Guns protect lives, but your voices protect our reputation,’ the Inspector-General stated,” Iniedu said.
Earlier, the Provost of the Nigeria Police Public Relations School, retired Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu, traced the institution’s evolution from its early days in Ilorin and Lafia to its current Abuja Centre.
He emphasised that while Police Public Relations Officers help manage the image of the Force, the conduct and professionalism of officers on duty ultimately determine public perception.
Ojukwu urged the Commissioners of Police to cascade the knowledge gained during the workshop to officers under their respective commands, adding that experienced resource persons had been assembled to facilitate the training.
Iniedu said the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening the communication capacity of its senior officers as part of broader efforts to build a professional, transparent and people-oriented policing institution capable of earning greater public confidence.
