The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has pledged to actively support community policing initiatives in Abuja through the media.
Ms. Grace Ike, the council’s chairman, made the pledge in Abuja during an operational tour of the FCT Command by Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Training and Development), Isyaku Mohammed.
Ike assured that the media would continue to partner with the police to disseminate verified information, sensitise the public on safety measures, and highlight successful operations aimed at restoring public confidence.
“We stand ready to support community policing initiatives that bring police and citizens together. Responsible and factual reporting helps build trust, encourages crime reporting, and amplifies preventive messages,” she said.
She, however, expressed concern over the rising cases of “one-chance” robberies, where criminals posing as commercial drivers attack passengers in both commercial and private vehicles.
According to her, the menace has become a serious security threat in Abuja, disproportionately affecting women and young commuters. Many victims fail to report incidents due to helplessness or distrust, allowing offenders to operate with impunity.
Ike called for a comprehensive approach to tackle the threat, including strengthened patrols, improved intelligence gathering, better public transport safety measures, community engagement, victim support services, and targeted media campaigns.
The NUJ leader urged police leadership to treat journalists as critical partners for rapid dissemination of verified information and to counter misinformation.
She commended the command’s modernisation efforts and the Police Public Relations Office for being media-friendly.
Ike assured that the NUJ under her leadership would continue to deliver balanced reporting that projects police efforts while holding institutions accountable to the rule of law. She also called for regular capacity building and sustained dialogue between journalists and the police.
“We need sustained collaboration across government agencies, transport unions, community leaders, and the media to close the gaps that enable these crimes,” she added.
She described the operational tour by the police top brass as a sign that leadership is attentive to on-the-ground realities and wished the DIG, CP, and their team continued success and safety.
