Force PRO Seeks Stronger Media Partnership for Police Reforms

The Nigeria Police Force says it is strengthening its Complaint Response Unit (CRU) as part of efforts to improve internal accountability, transparency and public confidence in policing.

The newly appointed Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council in Abuja

Edem said the visit was part of his familiarisation tour and called for stronger collaboration between the police and the media to improve public awareness of ongoing reforms within the Force.

He described the CRU as the Police Force’s primary internal accountability mechanism, operating round the clock to receive, track and resolve complaints involving allegations of professional misconduct, extortion, harassment and human rights abuses by police officers across the country.

According to him, ongoing upgrades to the unit are aimed at reducing response times, improving complaint tracking and increasing transparency in the handling of cases, in line with the reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police.

The Force spokesperson also announced plans to hold a media parley with Zone 7 Command to strengthen engagement with journalists and enhance accurate reporting of police activities and reforms.

He said closer cooperation with the media would promote public understanding of policing reforms while encouraging accountability.

Responding, NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the planned improvements to the Complaint Response Unit and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to working with the Police Force.

She pledged that journalists would continue to highlight citizens’ complaints and monitor developments in the complaint resolution process to promote transparency and accountability.

PR Oduyemi Odumade