By Chioma Vivian James|Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have renewed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on national security, public enlightenment and responsible media engagement ahead of the Yuletide season and the 2027 general elections.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Anietie Iniedu, made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the NUJ National Secretariat, where he described the media as an indispensable partner in policing and nation-building.
Iniedu said the police could not effectively discharge their responsibilities without the support of journalists, emphasising the need for a stronger working relationship between both institutions.
“The Nigerian 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.
Recalling his earlier working relationship with the NUJ during his service in Yobe State, the Force PRO expressed appreciation for the union’s longstanding support, noting that police public relations officers rely heavily on journalists to communicate the activities and achievements of the Force accurately.
He explained that one of the challenges identified by the current police administration was the gap between operational achievements and public awareness, adding that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) had directed that the activities of the Force must be effectively communicated to Nigerians.
Iniedu, who disclosed that he was four months into his tenure, announced that the Nigeria Police Television had commenced digital operations, with plans to expand to terrestrial broadcasting and local channels in the future.
He also revealed that the IGP had ordered a comprehensive upgrade of the Nigeria Police Radio following an assessment of its facilities, with the process already underway.
The Force PRO invited the NUJ to visit the Police Television facility and contribute ideas towards improving the Force’s communication platforms.
He equally solicited the union’s support for capacity building and professional training for himself and officers in the Police Public Relations Department, acknowledging the NUJ’s expertise in journalism and strategic communication.
On operational activities, Iniedu disclosed that the Force had commenced the publication of daily operational reports from commands across the country through its communication channels.
He further revealed that the IGP had directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) to deploy personnel across the country’s forests and identified security flashpoints as part of a nationwide clearance operation and stability patrol.
According to him, the 82 PMF squadrons had been directed to intensify operations, with at least two squadrons deployed in every state.
He said the ongoing operation had recorded progress, with about 22 states actively participating in the exercise.
Addressing the security challenges ahead, Iniedu noted that the police were preparing for an unprecedented period in which the Yuletide security operations would transition directly into the 2027 election season.
He stressed the need for intensified collaboration with stakeholders to tackle disinformation, maintain public order and ensure that police personnel conduct themselves professionally throughout the period.
“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 Yahaya, welcomed the Force PRO and described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen relations and explore ways of advancing national development through effective communication.
Yahaya acknowledged the challenges associated with police operations, particularly reports of harassment and intimidation of journalists by some overzealous officers, as well as misconduct by certain media practitioners.
He maintained that constructive engagement and collaboration remained essential to addressing these concerns and improving the relationship between the police and the media.
The NUJ President said the union was open to dialogue and partnership, noting that its collaboration with another security agency had yielded positive results, with no reported incidents of harassment or intimidation in the past year.
“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 to dialogue and open to collaboration. Together we can change the narrative,” he said.
Yahaya disclosed that the union had developed two initiatives to strengthen relations with the police. The first is a framework aimed at reducing harassment and intimidation of journalists, while the second is a proposed national dialogue involving all 37 police public relations officers and NUJ leaders across the country.
He explained that the NUJ’s structures across the six geopolitical zones would be mobilised to facilitate engagement between Commissioners of Police, Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and journalists in their respective states.
The NUJ President also commended the police for investing in their media platforms, including the Police Radio and the newly launched Police Television, describing the initiative as a positive step towards public sensitisation and civic education.
He expressed optimism about establishing an NUJ television station as a legacy project before the expiration of his tenure.
On capacity building, Yahaya offered the services of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), an institution owned by the NUJ that conducts regular professional training programmes, to support the development of police public relations personnel.
He emphasised that the media had a critical role to play in promoting national unity, sustaining peace and ensuring public confidence in institutions.
“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,” he said.
Yahaya assured the Force PRO of the union’s continued engagement and monitoring of police-media relations, reaffirming the NUJ’s commitment to working with the Nigeria Police Force towards national peace, security and development.
