IGP Disu Opens Two-Day Strategic Communication, Media Relations Workshop for Commissioners of Police

IGP Disu Opens Two-Day Strategic Communication, Media Relations Workshop for Commissioners of Police

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu has declared open a two-day workshop on strategic communication and media relations for Commissioners of Police (CPs), urging them to strengthen their engagement with the media and the public to enhance the image and effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Wednesday declared open a two-day workshop on "Enhancing Strategic Communication and Media Relations" for Commissioners of Police drawn from commands across the country.

The workshop, held at the Nigeria Police Public Relations School (NPPRS), Abuja Centre, was attended by members of the Force Management Team, senior police officers and resource persons.

In his welcome address, the Provost of the NPPRS, retired Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu, traced the evolution of the institution from Kulende in Ilorin to Lafia and its current Abuja Centre.

Ojukwu stressed that Police Public Relations Officers do not create the image of the Force but manage it, noting that the conduct and professionalism of officers on the field ultimately determine public perception of the police.

He urged the Commissioners of Police to replicate the knowledge gained during the workshop at their respective commands, adding that seven resource persons had been assembled to facilitate the training.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, IGP Disu commended police officers across the country for their dedication and operational successes, while noting that many officers have limited formal exposure to media engagement before their appointment as Commissioners of Police.

He explained that the workshop was designed to bridge that gap by equipping senior officers with effective communication and public engagement skills.

According to the IGP, the responsibilities of a Commissioner of Police extend beyond administration and operational leadership, describing CPs as managers who must lead by example.

He encouraged them to actively participate in community activities, attend social functions, visit schools and build lasting relationships within their host communities.

Disu also urged the commissioners to take a proactive approach to media engagement, describing internal security as the core mandate of the Nigeria Police Force and reaffirming its position as the country's leading security agency.

He commended ongoing security operations led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, as well as Commissioners of Police in Kogi and other states, for their efforts in tackling insecurity.

The IGP further advised the senior officers to build their personal credibility, engage journalists as partners rather than adversaries, and establish strong relationships with the media before crises arise.

He also charged them to respond promptly to emerging issues and communicate with humility, emphasizing that effective communication is essential to sustaining public trust.

"Guns protect lives, but your voices protect our reputation," Disu told the participants.

The Nigeria Police Force said the workshop reflects its commitment to strengthening the communication capacity of senior officers and promoting a more professional, accessible and people-oriented policing system across the country.