Isiyaku Ahmed
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and the Nigeria Police Force to tackle insecurity and promote national security effectively.
He made the call on Wednesday while speaking as Guest Speaker at the public presentation of the Vanguard Chronology at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
The event, themed “Fighting Insecurity in Nigeria: The Need for Media Collaboration,” was organised as part of activities marking the 40th anniversary of Vanguard Newspaper.
CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force spokesperson, in a statement, said the occasion attracted dignitaries from the political, business, diplomatic, security and media sectors, among others.
The IGP commended Vanguard Media Limited for its contributions to journalism in Nigeria, particularly its founder and publisher, Mr Sam Amuka, whose influence and reputation, he said, had remained a benchmark in the Nigerian media industry.
Disu stressed that national security should not be regarded as the sole responsibility of law enforcement agencies, but as a collective responsibility requiring the participation of all sectors of society.
He said the relationship between the police and the media must go beyond the traditional source-and-reporter relationship and evolve into a strategic partnership based on trust, professionalism and shared responsibility.
The IGP also warned against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation in security reporting, urging journalists to prioritize credible reporting, responsible journalism and media literacy.
He further advocated prompt and accurate communication by security agencies, noting that timely access to verified information would help prevent speculation and the spread of false narratives.
Disu called for accountability and transparency in cases involving alleged misconduct by police personnel, stressing that effective partnership could not thrive if one party demanded cooperation while resisting accountability.
According to him, public trust remains one of the most valuable assets of the Nigeria Police Force, making transparency, professionalism and responsible engagement with citizens essential.
He urged media stakeholders to deepen their collaboration with the Police Force, noting that the success of efforts to build a secure Nigeria would benefit all Nigerians.
The Inspector-General reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to maintaining a safe and secure environment while strengthening strategic partnerships with the media and other stakeholders in advancing national security.
