Disu To Police Chiefs: Your Voice Is As Vital As Your Gun In Winning Public Trust
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Recognising that public confidence is shaped as much by communication as by policing, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has urged Commissioners of Police to become proactive communicators and build stronger relationships with the media.
Declaring open a two-day workshop on “Enhancing Strategic Communication and Media Relations” in Abuja on Wednesday, the IGP said effective media engagement is now an essential leadership skill, stressing that Commissioners of Police must not only fight crime but also tell the Force’s story with professionalism and transparency.
Disu challenged the police chiefs to dominate the media space, engage journalists as partners, respond swiftly during crises, and remain visible within their communities by attending public events and interacting with citizens. “Guns protect lives, but your voices protect our reputation,” he told participants.
Earlier, the Provost of the Nigeria Police Public Relations School, retired Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu, reminded participants that the Force’s image is ultimately shaped by the conduct of officers on the field, urging the commissioners to pass the lessons from the workshop down to junior officers.
The two-day training, attended by members of the Force Management Team, senior police officers and communication experts, is aimed at strengthening strategic communication and fostering a more professional and people-centred Nigeria Police Force.
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