By
Gloria Josiah
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered Commissioners of Police nationwide to take control of the media space and deepen public trust, saying strategic communication is now central to modern policing.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of a two-day workshop on โEnhancing Strategic Communication and Media Relationsโ at the Nigeria Police Public Relations School, Abuja Centre, Disu said commanders must pair operational strength with proactive public engagement.
According to Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the IGP described the role of a CP as more than ceremonial. He said CPs are managers who must provide leadership across all areas of policing.
He urged them to “dominate the media landscape” and reminded them that internal security remains the primary duty of the Nigeria Police Force.
โGuns protect lives, but your voices protect our reputation,โ Disu told the senior officers.
He further advised CPs to treat journalists as partners in nation-building, not opponents, and to build media relationships before emergencies occur.
The police chief also directed them to:
- Be proactive in managing security information
- Build credible public images
- Respond quickly to developing incidents
- Attend community programs, school visits, and social events to boost public confidence and leave positive legacies
Disu noted that media relations have not traditionally been part of career training for many officers before becoming CPs, and said the workshop was organized to close that gap.
Earlier, the Provost of the Nigeria Police Public Relations School, retired CP Emmanuel Ojukwu, said PROs only manage the Forceโs image while field officers shape it through their conduct.
โThe true face of the Police remains its field officers, whose professionalism ultimately wins public affection,โ Ojukwu said.
He charged participants to pass on the knowledge from the workshop to officers under their commands. Seven resource persons were assembled to facilitate the training.
