NUJ FCT, Police Commissioner Strengthen Ties As Abuja Adopts Faster Crime-Response System
At a time when Abuja residents are increasingly concerned about urban crime and public safety, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has taken a decisive step towards fostering a stronger security, media alliance.
On Tuesday, the council paid a courtesy visit to the new Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, with both parties committing to deeper collaboration to enhance peace and development in the nation’s capital.
NUJ FCT Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, said the visit was both a formal welcome and a renewed pledge to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with the police.
She stressed the union’s commitment to promoting transparency, responsible reportage, and safeguarding journalists operating within the FCT.
“We are here not just to say welcome, but to reaffirm our support for a working relationship that promotes transparency, responsible journalism and security in the FCT,” she said, noting that the NUJ has zero tolerance for intimidation or harassment of journalists, whether online or offline.
She, however, emphasised the need for accountability within the profession, warning that misinformation remains a serious threat to public trust.
In response, CP Miller Dantawaye thanked the NUJ for the visit, acknowledging the media as an indispensable partner in shaping public perception and amplifying the efforts of security agencies.
“We need you more than you need us. With your reportage, you can project our efforts, and you can also condemn us if we fail.
That is why synergy is not optional; it is a necessity,” he said.
The Commissioner revealed that the FCT Command had adopted a rapid response model aimed at addressing criminal activities more effectively, especially the persistent menace of ‘one chance’ syndicates.
“Our response time has improved significantly. We aim to respond to distress calls within five minutes whenever possible,” he disclosed, adding that four major syndicates have already been dismantled.
Dantawaye called on residents to support policing efforts by providing actionable intelligence, insisting that security is a shared responsibility: “We are not magicians.
Everyone in Abuja must become a partner in policing. If you see something, say something.”
He also assured journalists of open communication channels, timely information sharing during crises, and an open-door policy to strengthen trust between the police and the media.
Other senior officers present at the meeting included Lawrence Iwodi, Zanna K. Maidugu, Lamudo Alkali, and Josephine Adeh.
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