The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has called for stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to improve public confidence in the police and strengthen communication between the Force and Nigerians.
Disu made the call on Tuesday when he received a delegation of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, led by its President and Chairman of Council, Dr Ike Neliaku, on a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting focused on strategies for improving public trust in the police through professionalism, transparency, fairness and effective communication.
Neliaku commended the IGP for his professional accomplishments and briefed him on Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum and Africa Charter Forum, scheduled to take place at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The forum is expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates from 126 member countries of the Global Alliance for Public Relations.
The NIPR delegation sought the support of the Nigeria Police Force for security planning and coverage during the event and invited the Inspector-General to serve as a keynote speaker.
The delegation also encouraged police officers to participate in the forum as registered delegates.
Responding, Disu said the police and the public relations profession had a shared responsibility to build and sustain public confidence in policing.
“Every police officer is an image-maker of the Force, as the daily conduct of personnel directly shapes public perception of policing,” the IGP said.
He reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to policing by consent and a service-oriented policing culture anchored on professionalism, empathy, accountability and respect for human rights.
The Inspector-General called on the NIPR to support the Force through specialised communication training for police personnel.
He also sought the development of a coherent messaging framework that would help the police better communicate the sacrifices, dedication and contributions of its officers to public safety and national security.
Disu said improved communication between the police and the public was essential to strengthening confidence in the Force and promoting effective policing.
The delegation included the Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association, Dr Omoniyi Ibietan; Dr Suleiman Haruna; Mrs Maryam Sanusi; Mrs Olubunmi Badejo; Commandant Olusola Odumosu; Chief Uzoma Oyegbadu; Chief Moji Makanjuola, MFR; Mr Stanley Ogadigo; and other members.
The Nigeria Police Force said it remained committed to productive partnerships with professional bodies and other relevant stakeholders in strengthening public trust, public safety and national security.
