Ms Grace Ike, the council’s chairman, made the pledge in Abuja during an operations tour of the FCT Command by Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Training and Development), Isyaku Mohammed.
Ike assured that the media would continue to partner with the police to amplify verified information, sensitise the public on safety measures, and highlight successful operations aimed at restoring public confidence.
“We stand ready to support community policing initiatives that bring police and citizens together.
“Responsible, factual reporting helps build trust, encourages victims to report crimes, and amplifies preventive messages that save lives,” she said.
She, however, expressed concern over the rising cases of “one-chance” robberies, where criminals masquerading as commercial drivers attack unsuspecting passengers in commercial and private vehicles.
According to her, the menace has become a serious security concern in Abuja, disproportionately affecting women and young commuters.
She expressed her dismay at the situation whereby many victims often failed to report such incidents due to feelings of helplessness or distrust, a situation she noted allowed the offenders to operate with impunity.
To effectively curb the trend, she called for a comprehensive, holistic approach to tackle the growing threat of “one-chance” robberies in the nation’s capital city.
Ike proposed a multi-dimensional strategy that would combine strengthened patrols and intelligence gathering.
She also canvassed for an improved public transport safety measures, community engagement, victim support services, and targeted media campaigns.
The NUJ leader also urged the police leadership to treat journalists as critical partners to ensure that verified updates are circulated quickly, misinformation countered, and community trust in policing deepened.
She further lauded the command’s modernisation efforts, and its leadership, especially the Police Public Relations Office, for being media-friendly.
Ike said the NUJ leadership under her would continue delivering balanced, accountable reporting that projects police efforts, adding that the union would also hold institutions accountable to the rule of law.
She further called for regular capacity building and continuous dialogue between journalists and the police to deepen mutual understanding and improve coordinated responses to crime.
“We need sustained collaboration across government agencies, transport unions, community leaders, and the media to close the gaps that enable these crimes,” Ike added.
She described the operational tour of Zone 7 by the police top brass as a clear sign that the police leadership was attentive to on-the-ground realities.
Ike wished the DIG, the CP, and their entire team continued success and safety in their operations.(NAN)
