Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has called on Police Force Public Relations Officers to imbibe the principles of modern policing by taking firm command of the information space and lead national conversations with accuracy, professionalism, and strategic clarity on issues concerning the Force.
Egbetokun stated this when he declared open on Monday, the 2025 Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officers’ Conference at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
According to the IGP, the annual gathering is “a strategic national engagement” and “a critical platform for strengthening the collective capacity of the Force to engage the public, shape narratives constructively, and deepen trust between the Police and the citizens.”
He stressed that modern policing is defined mainly by its ability to foster public trust, transparency, and communication and not solely by operational capabilities.
His words: “Across the world, the success and legitimacy of policing are no longer defined by operational capacity alone. They are increasingly determined by public trust, transparency, and the quality of communication between the Police and the public.”
He further implored the Public Relations Officers (PROs) to understand that their role is central to the Force’s institutional credibility.
“The story of the Force is the story you craft and tell. Your responsibility, therefore, is not only powerful, it is indispensable,” he stated.
The IGP noted that the information landscape has become a frontline of the operational environment. He also stressed that “the battle for the mind is now as critical as the battle against crime,” and that Police PROs are the commanders on that frontline.
He lauded their resilience in navigating fast-moving information cycles, countering misinformation, responding to crises, and defending the truth under pressure.
His words: “For this, the leadership and the entire Nigeria Police Force are proud of you,”
According to IGP Egbetokun, the conference provides an avenue to strengthen uniformity in police messaging nationwide, adding that coherent communication is essential to institutional authority.
He affirmed that the Force is expanding investments in modern communication infrastructure, digital tools, and capacity-building initiatives, including the recent posting of new PROs across commands and formations.
He said: “We are deliberately investing in modern communication infrastructure, digital tools, and capacity building programmes to empower you to dominate the information space responsibly and effectively.”
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