Odita Sunday 
Disu tasks police commissioners on media engagement, proactive policing
By Odita Sunday
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, on Tuesday charged Commissioners of Police (CPs) across the country to strengthen their communication skills, deepen engagement with the media and embrace proactive policing to enhance public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Disu gave the charge 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.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the workshop brought together members of the Force Management Team, resource persons and senior police officers from commands nationwide.
The IGP said effective media engagement had not traditionally been part of the career development of many senior officers before their appointment as Commissioners of Police, noting that the workshop was designed to bridge the gap.
He reminded the participants that the office of a Commissioner of Police extends beyond its prestige, stressing that CPs must see themselves as managers and leaders who should remain visible and accessible to the public.
Disu urged the commissioners to attend community events, visit schools and build lasting relationships with residents in their areas of responsibility, adding that such engagements would strengthen public trust in the police.
He also charged them to dominate the media space through timely and professional communication, describing internal security as the core mandate of the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP commended 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, for their efforts in recent clearance operations against criminal elements.
He further advised the CPs to remain proactive, develop strong personal and institutional credibility, and regard journalists as partners in promoting public safety rather than adversaries.
According to him, police officers should establish strong relationships with the media before crises emerge and respond promptly to security developments.
”Guns protect lives, but your voices protect our reputation,” the IGP said.
Earlier, the Provost of the Nigeria Police Public Relations School, retired Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu, traced the institution’s growth from Kulende in Ilorin through Lafia to its permanent Abuja Centre.
Ojukwu noted that public relations officers do not create the image of the police but manage it, stressing that the conduct and professionalism of officers on the field remain the true reflection of the Force.
He urged the participants to step down the knowledge gained during the workshop to officers serving under them, adding that seven resource persons had been engaged to facilitate the training.
The workshop is part of the Force leadership’s efforts to improve strategic communication, enhance public engagement and build a more professional and people-oriented police service nationwide.
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