The Nigeria Police Force has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to tackle insecurity and combat disinformation ahead of the 2027 general election. CSP Anietie Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, made the call during a courtesy visit to the NUJ National Secretariat. He described journalists as critical partners in national security and nation-building, emphasizing that policing could not succeed without the media. Iniedu stressed the need for sustained engagement between both institutions to ensure effective security operations.
Iniedu disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police had directed a nationwide clearance operation and stability patrols, with personnel from the 82 Police Mobile Force squadrons deployed to identified forests and security black spots across the country. About 22 states are already participating in the operation. This move aims to enhance security and stability, particularly with the Yuletide season and 2027 elections approaching. The police are taking proactive measures to address potential security challenges.
The Nigeria Police Television has commenced digital operations, and plans are underway to upgrade the Nigeria Police Radio. Iniedu solicited the NUJ's support in training police public relations officers. This training will enhance the capacity of police personnel to engage with the media effectively. The police are also seeking collaboration with the media to counter disinformation and ensure a smooth electoral process.
NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, responded that the union is open to dialogue and stronger collaboration with the police. Yahya described the partnership as essential in addressing harassment and intimidation of journalists by some police officers, as well as professional misconduct among journalists. The NUJ is committed to working with the police to promote a safer and more secure environment for journalists.
Yahya disclosed that the union had developed two proposals to strengthen the relationship between the police and the media. These proposals include a framework to reduce harassment of journalists and a national dialogue involving the 37 Police Public Relations Officers and NUJ leaders across the country. The national dialogue will facilitate regular interactions between Commissioners of Police, Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General, and journalists.
The NUJ President offered the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) as a platform for training police public relations personnel. He commended the police for establishing its radio and television stations, expressing hope that the NUJ would also establish its own television station as part of his administration's legacy projects. The IIJ will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of police public relations officers.
Yahya assured the Force PRO of the union's commitment to sustained engagement, saying effective collaboration between the police and the media would strengthen national security and stability. The partnership between the police and the NUJ is expected to yield positive results, particularly in the areas of security and electoral integrity. The two institutions will work together to promote a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Key points
- The Nigeria Police Force and NUJ are collaborating to tackle insecurity and disinformation ahead of the 2027 general election.
- The police have deployed personnel from the 82 Police Mobile Force squadrons to identified forests and security black spots across the country.
- The NUJ has offered the International Institute of Journalism as a platform for training police public relations personnel.
