Odita Sunday 
Police commissioners urged to embrace conflict resolution, ethical leadership
By Odita Sunday
Commissioners of Police undergoing executive training have been urged to embrace strategic communication, conflict management and ethical leadership as essential tools for effective policing and public trust.
The charge was given by the President of the Institute of Conflict Management and Negotiation Analysts (ICMNA), represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Isyaku Mohammed (retd.), during the induction of participants into the institute as Certified Conflict Management and Negotiation Professionals.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mohammed congratulated the senior police officers on the successful completion of the two-day Executive Training Programme organised by the Nigeria Police Force, describing the induction as another milestone in promoting professional excellence and strategic conflict management within the force.
He said the theme of the training, “Enhancing Strategic Communication, Media Relations, Thought Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Public Relations and Excellence in the Nigeria Police Force,” reflects the realities of modern policing, where effective leadership goes beyond operational competence.
According to him, contemporary policing requires leaders who can communicate effectively, inspire confidence, manage conflicts professionally, negotiate wisely and build lasting public trust.
Mohammed said the institute recognised that the skills acquired during the programme align with its mandate of promoting conflict prevention, negotiation, mediation and sustainable peacebuilding.
He explained that strategic communication helps prevent unnecessary conflicts, while sound media relations promote transparency, credibility and public confidence.
He added that thought leadership equips officers to drive institutional reforms, emotional intelligence enhances decision-making under pressure, and public relations strengthens collaboration between the police and the communities they serve.
The ICMNA representative noted that the officers were admitted into the institute in recognition of their commitment to professional development and ethical leadership.
He stressed that the induction was not merely the conferment of a professional title but a call to greater responsibility.
”This induction is an affirmation that you have accepted a greater responsibility to serve as ambassadors of peace, ethical leadership, constructive dialogue and professional excellence wherever your duties may take you,” he said.
Mohammed urged the newly inducted members to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, accountability, confidentiality and continuous learning, while promoting peaceful conflict resolution and responsible leadership in the discharge of their official duties.
Following the administration of the oath of allegiance, the inductees were formally admitted into the Institute of Conflict Management and Negotiation Analysts as Certified Conflict Management and Negotiation Professionals.
He welcomed them into the institute and expressed confidence that their membership would inspire greater service, exemplary leadership and lasting contributions to the Nigeria Police Force and national peacebuilding efforts.
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