The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, has emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in securing the nation. Iniedu made this statement during a courtesy visit to the NUJ National Secretariat, noting that policing cannot succeed without the media. He described the relationship between the two bodies as a partnership in nation building and national security.
Iniedu appreciated the NUJ for its partnership over the years, recalling his early working relationship with the NUJ when he served in Yobe State. He stated that the Nigerian Police Force cannot work without the NUJ, saying they are partners in nation building and national security. Iniedu also explained that his office functions almost like that of the Senior Special Adviser to the Inspector-General of Police on strategic communication.
The Force PRO disclosed that the Nigeria Police has commenced operations of the Nigeria Police Television, with plans to upgrade to terrestrial and local channels. He also revealed that the IGP has ordered a comprehensive upgrade of the Nigeria Police Radio after an assessment of its facilities, with work already commencing. Iniedu solicited training support for himself and his officers across the Public Relations Department, noting that the NUJ’s expertise would be invaluable.
Iniedu highlighted some of the operational achievements of the Force, including the publication of daily operational reports from Commands nationwide. He also revealed a new security strategy directed by the IGP to the AIG in charge of the Police Mobile Force, PMF. The strategy involves moving 82 squadrons into the bushes, with a minimum of two squadrons in every state, to commence a nationwide clearance operation and stability patrols.
The Force PRO noted that the PMF has already moved into forests and is recording gains, with about 22 states actively involved in the ongoing operation. He emphasized that the era of the Force trying to do it alone is over, saying they want to work with relevant stakeholders, including the NUJ, to fight disinformation and ensure their men are in line. Iniedu also acknowledged the professional qualifications of journalists, stressing that police spokespersons depend on journalists to push the stories of the Force correctly.
Responding, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, thanked Iniedu for the visit and described it as a day set aside to interact and discuss efforts to take the country to greater heights. He assured that collaboration is key to changing the narrative, especially on the lingering issues of harassment and intimidation of journalists by overzealous police officers across the country. Yahya also commended the Force for investing in its own media platforms – the Police Radio and the newly launched Police Television.
Yahya offered the platform of the International Institute of Journalism, IIJ, an institution owned by the NUJ, for the training of police public relations personnel. He also disclosed that the NUJ has developed two concepts to strengthen the relationship, including a model that will reduce harassment and intimidation of journalists, and a proposed national dialogue that will bring together all 37 Police PROs and FCT, and NUJ leaders from across the country.
Key points
- The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, have agreed to deepen their collaboration ahead of the Yuletide and elections.
- The Force PRO, CSP Anietie Iniedu, has solicited training support from the NUJ for police public relations personnel.
- The NUJ has offered to collaborate with the Force on a national dialogue to address issues of harassment and intimidation of journalists.
