ABUJA, Nigeria — Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has challenged State Commissioners of Police across the country to take command of the media narrative and build stronger ties with the public before security crises break out.

Speaking in Abuja while declaring open a two-day strategic communication workshop at the Nigeria Police Public Relations School (NPPRS), Disu stressed that public engagement and media transparency are just as critical to modern policing as field operations.

The IGP warned that senior police leadership must move away from reactive statements and instead stay ahead of unfolding stories to protect the reputation of the Force.

Addressing state commanders and senior officers, the police chief emphasized that Commissioners of Police are expected to lead from the front, project accessibility, and remain visible in their host communities.

"The office of a Commissioner of Police goes beyond the prestige associated with it," Disu stated. "Dominate the media space. Internal security remains the core mandate of the Nigeria Police Force, and we must continue to demonstrate why we are the foremost security agency in the country."

He urged officers to cultivate healthy working relationships with media professionals across their respective states long before issues arise.

"Treat journalists as partners, not adversaries," the IGP added. "Build those relationships before crises occur. Respond swiftly to unfolding situations and engage the public with humility. Guns protect lives, but your voices protect our reputation."

Also speaking at the event, the Provost of the Nigeria Police Public Relations School, retired Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu, noted that a police command's public image is primarily defined by the conduct of personnel on patrol and at checkpoints.

Ojukwu pointed out that Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) only manage perception, but true public trust is built through professional behavior by field officers. He urged the participating commissioners to step down the training lessons to division commanders and grassroots officers under their supervision.

According to Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Anietie Iniedu, the two-day workshop was organized to equip state commanders with modern communication tools needed to build a more responsive and accountable police force nationwide.