The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Olugbemiga Abimbola, has called for closer collaboration between the police and journalists in the state, saying effective policing depends heavily on media support and accurate information sharing.
Abimbola made the appeal on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to the state police headquarters in Ibadan.
He stressed that partnership with the media remains essential in tackling emerging security challenges, adding that the police cannot operate effectively without public trust and credible reporting.
“Partnership with journalists remains crucial to addressing emerging security threats and enhancing effective policing in the state,” he said.
The police commissioner noted that the long-standing relationship between the police and the NUJ had contributed to improved security outcomes over time.
He also urged journalists to help highlight police achievements while correcting public misconceptions about law enforcement activities.
“We need your support in projecting our achievements and correcting public misconceptions about the police,” Abimbola added.
He described security as a shared responsibility between law enforcement agencies, the media, and the general public, emphasizing that credible intelligence from citizens and journalists is vital to successful policing operations.
Abimbola also reflected on his background as a former journalist with Radio Kwara, noting that misinformation poses a growing challenge in the digital age and can only be effectively addressed through professional journalism.
“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,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has introduced a new operational unit aimed at strengthening policing nationwide.
According to him, personnel assigned to the unit have already undergone training, and the unit will be inaugurated at the Oyo State Command on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo NUJ, Akeem Abas, commended the commissioner for what he described as improved policing and relative peace in the state.
He praised the police for their efforts in crime prevention and arrests, while urging continued cooperation between journalists and security agencies ahead of future elections.
“Journalists, as agenda setters, alongside security agencies and government, must practise the ideals they advocate,” Abas said.
He also called for stronger collaboration between the media, security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, noting that the union is planning a summit to support peaceful electoral engagement.
