The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community policing efforts in Abuja, pledging to deploy the power of the media to strengthen public safety, promote trust, and enhance collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
The commitment was made by the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Ms Grace Ike, during an operational tour of the FCT Police Command by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development, Isyaku Mohammed, in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Ike said the media remained a critical stakeholder in the nation’s security architecture and would continue to partner with the police to disseminate verified information, educate residents on safety measures, and showcase successful security operations aimed at restoring public confidence.
“We stand ready to support community policing initiatives that bring police and citizens together,” she said. “Responsible, factual reporting helps build trust, encourages victims to report crimes, and amplifies preventive messages that save lives.”
While reaffirming the union’s support for security agencies, Ike expressed deep concern over the growing threat of “one-chance” robberies in the Federal Capital Territory. The criminal tactic, in which offenders disguise themselves as commercial drivers to rob unsuspecting passengers, has become a persistent security challenge across the city.
According to her, women and young commuters remain among the most vulnerable targets, with many victims choosing not to report incidents because of feelings of helplessness or a lack of confidence in the system.
She warned that such silence often emboldens perpetrators and allows the crime to flourish unchecked.
To address the challenge, Ike advocated a comprehensive and coordinated response involving enhanced police patrols, improved intelligence gathering, safer public transportation systems, stronger community engagement, victim support mechanisms, and sustained public awareness campaigns.
She also urged security agencies to view journalists as indispensable partners in the fight against crime, stressing the importance of timely access to verified information to combat misinformation and strengthen community trust.
The NUJ chairman commended the FCT Police Command for its ongoing modernisation efforts and praised the Police Public Relations Office for maintaining a cordial and professional relationship with the media.
She assured that the NUJ leadership would continue to promote balanced and accountable journalism that highlights positive policing efforts while also holding public institutions accountable to the rule of law.
Ike further called for regular capacity-building programmes and sustained dialogue between journalists and security agencies, noting that stronger collaboration would improve public communication and support more effective responses to emerging security threats.
“We need sustained collaboration across government agencies, transport unions, community leaders, and the media to close the gaps that enable these crimes,” she said.
Describing the operational tour by the police leadership as a demonstration of commitment to realities on the ground, Ike expressed optimism that continued engagement between security agencies and key stakeholders would help strengthen safety and security across the nation’s capital.
She concluded by wishing the Deputy Inspector-General, the Commissioner of Police, and other officers success in their efforts to protect lives and property in Abuja.
