The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, has solicited the support of journalists in the state to enable the police discharge their duties effectively.
Abimbola made this call during a courtesy visit by the executives of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to the state Police command headquarters in Ibadan, the state capital, on Thursday.
He said, “Partnership with journalists remains crucial to addressing emerging security threats and enhancing effective policing in the state.”
The CP noted that the longstanding relationship between the police and the NUJ had yielded positive results over the years.
“We need your support in projecting our achievements and correcting public misconceptions about the police,” he added.
Abimbola described security as a collective responsibility, stressing that police relied heavily on credible information to carry out their operations successfully.
The commissioner, who recalled his early days as a cub reporter with Radio Kwara, said misinformation had become widespread and could only be addressed through professional journalism.
He said, “The police authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure discipline among officers and men. Let me also advise the journalists to report cases of misconduct directly to the command.
“The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, had established a new police unit to strengthen operations nationwide. Officers designated for the unit had undergone training. The unit would be inaugurated at the state command tomorrow, Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Earlier, the NUJ state Chairman, Akeem Abas had commended the commissioner for his achievements in the Nigeria Police Force.
He attributed the relative peace being enjoyed in the state to the efforts of the police, praising the command for crime prevention and arrest of suspects.
The Chairman said, “Journalists, as agenda setters, alongside security agencies and government, must practise the ideals they advocate.”
Abas, therefore, stressed the need for collaboration among journalists, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
He added that the union was planning a summit as part of preparations for the elections.
The visit comes amid growing calls for stronger collaboration between security agencies and the media in addressing misinformation, improving public trust and ensuring peaceful conduct ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Punch / Tunmise Adesanmi
