Chioma Vivian James
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community policing initiatives while calling for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder response to tackle the persistent menace of “one-chance” robberies across the nation’s capital.
The pledge was made by the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, during her goodwill message at the operational tour of the FCT Police Command by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Training and Development, DIG Isyaku Mohammed, held at the Command Headquarters in Abuja.
Comrade Ike emphasized that the media remains a critical partner in strengthening public security through responsible journalism, public enlightenment, and timely dissemination of verified information.
According to her, the NUJ will continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force to promote community policing by amplifying credible information, educating residents on personal safety, and highlighting successful policing efforts that inspire public confidence.
“We stand ready to support community policing initiatives that bring police and citizens together. Responsible, factual reporting helps build trust, encourages victims to report crimes, and amplifies preventive messages that save lives,” she stated.
The NUJ chairman expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in “one-chance” robberies—criminal operations in which unsuspecting commuters are lured into commercial or private vehicles before being robbed, assaulted, or abandoned. She noted that women, students, and young professionals remain among the most vulnerable victims of the crime.
She lamented that many victims often choose not to report their ordeals due to fear, trauma, or lack of confidence in the justice system, a situation she said emboldens criminal networks to continue operating unchecked.
To effectively combat the menace, Comrade Ike advocated a holistic strategy encompassing enhanced police patrols, intelligence-driven operations, safer public transportation systems, stronger community engagement, improved victim support services, and sustained public awareness campaigns through the media.
She further urged security agencies to regard journalists as strategic partners in the fight against crime, stressing that prompt access to verified information would help curb misinformation, promote transparency, and strengthen public trust in law enforcement.
Commending the FCT Police Command for its ongoing modernization efforts, she also praised the leadership of Commissioner of Police (Prof.) Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi and the Police Public Relations Office for maintaining a cordial and professional relationship with the media.
Comrade Ike reaffirmed the NUJ FCT Council’s commitment to balanced, factual, and accountable journalism that not only showcases the achievements of the police but also reinforces the principles of transparency, justice, and the rule of law.
She also advocated regular capacity-building programmes and institutional dialogue between journalists and security agencies to deepen mutual understanding, improve crisis communication, and foster more effective responses to emerging security challenges.
“We need sustained collaboration across government agencies, transport unions, community leaders, civil society organisations, and the media to close the gaps that enable these crimes to thrive,” she said.
Describing the Inspector-General of Police’s operational tour of Zone 7 as a demonstration of the Force leadership’s commitment to addressing security realities at the grassroots, Comrade Ike wished DIG Isyaku Mohammed, CP (Prof.) Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, and officers of the FCT Command continued success, safety, and renewed achievements in safeguarding lives and property within the Federal Capital Territory.
