By Queen Kunde
The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have moved to strengthen their partnership to tackle insecurity, combat disinformation and ensure peaceful celebrations and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Anietie Iniedu, made this known during a courtesy visit to the NUJ National Secretariat, where he described journalists as critical partners in national security, insisting that effective policing cannot be achieved without the support of the media.
Iniedu, who called for deeper collaboration between the police and the media, said the Force was determined to improve public communication and ensure that its operational achievements receive adequate public attention.
“The Nigeria Police Force cannot work without the NUJ. It is not possible. You are our partners in nation building and national security. I am here to push for increased collaboration and partnership. You are the experts,” he said.
He explained that one of the challenges identified by the current police administration was the gap between the activities of the Force and public awareness of its operations, adding that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) had directed that the achievements of the police must be properly communicated.
The Force PRO disclosed that the Nigeria Police Television had commenced digital operations, with plans to expand to terrestrial broadcasting and local channels, while arrangements were also underway to upgrade the Nigeria Police Radio.
He invited the NUJ to contribute professional ideas and support the development of the two media platforms, stressing that journalists have the experience required to strengthen police public relations.
Iniedu also solicited training opportunities for officers in the Force Public Relations Department, noting that professional capacity building would improve communication between the police and the public.
On security operations, he disclosed that the IGP had directed the deployment of all 82 Police Mobile Force (PMF) squadrons to forests and identified security black spots across the country as part of a nationwide clearance operation and stability patrols.
According to him, about 22 states are already participating in the ongoing operation, with officers deployed to identified forests and hinterland locations to tackle criminal activities.
He, however, warned that the security agencies face a demanding period as this year’s Yuletide operations will run into preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He said the situation required stronger cooperation among security agencies, journalists and other stakeholders to prevent the spread of false information and ensure that officers maintain professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“We are no longer in that aspect where we want to do it alone. We want to work with you. I listen and I take advice because one brain can’t do it all. If we collaborate properly, we will have the right results,” he said.
Responding, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, welcomed the initiative, declaring that the union was open to dialogue and collaboration with the police to improve national security and protect press freedom.
Yahya said the union recognised the importance of a strong relationship between the police and the media but stressed that issues of harassment and intimidation of journalists by some overzealous police officers must be addressed.
He also acknowledged cases of misconduct by some journalists, noting that both institutions must take responsibility for building mutual respect and professionalism.
“I don’t like issuing statements against the police. If you issue a statement against the police, it’s like you are denting the image of your country before the whole world. But we cannot ignore the issues. NUJ is open for dialogue and open for collaboration. Together we can change the narrative,” he said.
The NUJ President disclosed that the union had developed two proposals to strengthen the relationship, including a framework to reduce harassment and intimidation of journalists and a proposed national dialogue involving all 37 Police Public Relations Officers, including the FCT, and NUJ leaders from across the country.
He explained that the union would deploy its structures across the six geopolitical zones to facilitate regular engagements between Commissioners of Police, Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and journalists in their respective states.
Yahya also offered the services of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), an institution owned by the NUJ, to provide regular professional training for police public relations officers.
He commended the police for investing in its own communication platforms through the establishment of Police Television and the development of Police Radio, describing the initiative as important for public enlightenment and public engagement.
The NUJ President further disclosed that establishing a television station for the union remained one of his major legacy projects before the end of his tenure.
He maintained that a stronger relationship between the police and the media would help promote national unity, public confidence and peaceful coexistence.
“If Nigeria is in crisis, no other country will fix it for us. By the time we work together, we will see wonders and changes,” Yahya added.
He assured the Force PRO of the union’s readiness to sustain engagement and work with the police towards a safer country, while also promising to monitor the implementation of commitments made during the meeting.
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