IGP Disu Tasks Police Commissioners to Take Charge of Public Narrative, Strengthen Media Relations

Says effective communication is as vital as policing, urges senior officers to build public trust before crises emerge

By Pan Afric Reporters

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has challenged Commissioners of Police (CPs) across the country to become more proactive in engaging the media and the public, stressing that strategic communication is essential to strengthening public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

The charge was contained in a press statement issued by the Nigeria Police Force and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The IGP gave the directive on Tuesday while declaring open a two-day workshop on “Enhancing Strategic Communication and Media Relations” for Commissioners of Police drawn from commands nationwide. The workshop, held at the Nigeria Police Public Relations School (NPPRS), Abuja Centre, was attended by members of the Force Management Team, senior police officers and communication experts.

Addressing participants, IGP Disu commended police personnel across the country for their commitment to combating crime but acknowledged that media engagement has not traditionally formed part of the professional development of many officers before their appointment as Commissioners of Police.

According to him, the workshop was designed to bridge that gap by equipping CPs with the communication skills required to effectively manage public perception and strengthen relationships with citizens.

“The office of a Commissioner of Police extends far beyond its outward prestige. Commissioners are first and foremost managers who must lead from the front,” the IGP said.

He urged the senior officers to become visible leaders within their communities by attending social events, visiting schools and initiating programmes that would leave lasting positive legacies in their respective commands.

The Police boss also challenged the CPs to take ownership of the public narrative surrounding policing by actively engaging the media and communicating the Force’s activities with transparency and professionalism.

“Guns protect lives, but your voices protect our reputation,” Disu declared.

He advised Commissioners of Police to regard journalists as strategic partners in promoting security rather than adversaries, urging them to cultivate strong media relationships before crises occur.

The IGP further encouraged the officers to remain proactive, respond swiftly to emerging security issues, demonstrate humility in public engagements and build personal credibility capable of inspiring public trust.

Reaffirming the Police Force’s mandate as Nigeria’s foremost internal security agency, Disu praised ongoing clearance operations coordinated by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force alongside Commissioners of Police in Kogi State and other commands.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Provost of the Nigeria Police Public Relations School, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (Rtd.), traced the evolution of the institution from Kulende, Ilorin, through Lafia, to its present location in Abuja.

Ojukwu reminded participants that the image of the Nigeria Police Force is ultimately shaped by the conduct of officers on the field, stressing that Public Relations Officers merely manage the institution’s reputation.

“Police Public Relations Officers do not create the image of the Force; they manage it. The true face of the Police remains its field officers, whose professionalism ultimately wins public affection,” he said.

He urged the Commissioners of Police to cascade the knowledge acquired during the workshop to junior officers in their commands, noting that seven resource persons had been assembled to facilitate discussions on strategic communication and media relations.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to strengthening the capacity of its senior officers with modern communication skills aimed at promoting a professional, accessible and people-oriented policing system across the country.