The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has called for stronger collaboration between the police and the media to enhance security in Nigeria.
Disu made the appeal on Saturday in Abuja during an interactive session with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council.
The police chief described journalists as professionals who play a vital role in supporting the work of security agencies.
“I have worked with journalists, and I say it with all my heart that you are professionals,” Disu said.
He noted that security agencies cannot address the country’s security challenges alone and urged citizens, including journalists, to support efforts aimed at safeguarding the nation.
“The nation is in a particular security situation now, and we need everybody to come together to salvage the nation. We don’t have another country,” he said.
“If you see something, please say something. The life you save might be your own.”
Disu also urged police officers to treat members of the public with respect, stressing that their conduct should reflect professionalism and earn them goodwill in communities where they serve.
“As a policeman, can you go back to where you have worked before and be welcomed? That is a lesson for all policemen and for everyone,” he added.
The IGP noted that although the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, is responsible for speaking on behalf of the police, journalists are free to reach him directly as his communication channels remain open.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, assured the police of journalists’ support through responsible reporting on security issues.
“We are glad that the inspector-general of police is here to visit journalists. It shows he is a friend of the press. We will do everything humanly possible to use our pen to support efforts to make insecurity a thing of the past,” Ike said.
She also invited the IGP to attend the NUJ FCT Press Week scheduled to hold in May in Abuja.
Credit: TheCable
