The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Ayodeji Abimbola, has solicited the support of journalists in the state to enable the police discharge their duties effectively.
Abimbola made the appeal during a courtesy visit by the executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, to the Oyo State Police Command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
The police commissioner said partnership with journalists remained crucial to addressing emerging security threats and enhancing effective policing in the state.
He 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 said.
Abimbola described security as a collective responsibility, stressing that the 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 were intensifying efforts to ensure discipline among officers and men, urging journalists to report cases of misconduct directly to the command.
Abimbola also disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, had established a new police unit to strengthen operations nationwide.
According to him, officers designated for the unit had undergone training, adding that the unit would be inaugurated at the Oyo State Command on May 16.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo NUJ Council, Akeem Abas, commended the commissioner for his achievements in the Nigeria Police Force.
Abas 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.
He said journalists, as agenda setters, alongside security agencies and government, must practise the ideals they advocate.
The NUJ chairman also 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.