The FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has offered its active media support for community policing and has recommended a holistic approach to combat the increasing menace of “one-chance” robberies in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Chairman of the Council disclosed this in her goodwill message during the operational tour of the FCT Command by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Training and Development, DIG Isyaku Mohammed at the headquarters of the Command.
Comrade Grace Ike said the press will continue to collaborate with the police to provide verified information, educate the public on safety measures and showcase successful operations that restore public confidence.
We stand ready to support community policing efforts that unite police and citizens.
“Responsible, factual reporting helps build trust, encourages victims to report crimes and amplifies preventive messages that save lives,” she said.
“One-chance” robberies, where robbers quickly strike passengers in commercial and private vehicles, have become a major security challenge in Abuja, especially for women and young people who use the transport system, Comrade Ike said.
Many victims don’t report events because they feel helpless or don’t trust, she added, which allows offenders to operate with impunity.
She asked for a holistic approach of more patrols and intelligence, increased safety measures on public transport, community participation, victim support services and targeted media campaigns.
He added that journalists should be viewed as partners in this endeavour to ensure that verifiable updates are shared fast, misinformation is tackled and community trust in policing is developed.
Comrade Ike applauded the efforts of the FCT Command towards modernising the force, and also congratulated the leadership of the command and the Police Public Relations Office for being media friendly.
The FCT Council of the NUJ was assured that fair, accountable reporting which projects police efforts and at the same time holds institutions to the rule of law would continue to be delivered.
The NUJ chairman also advocated capacity building and regular interaction between journalists and police for deeper mutual understanding and more coordinated approach to crime.
She stated, “We need persistent collaboration between government agencies, transport unions, community leaders and the media to close the gaps that allow these crimes to happen.
Comrade Ike praised the IGP’s operational tour to Zone 7 as a demonstration of the top police leadership’s concern for the realities on the ground and wished DIG Isyaku Mohammed, CP (Prof.) Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi and their teams ongoing success and safety.
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