The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has pledged its support for community policing initiatives and called for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the growing menace of “one-chance” robberies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Chairman of the Council, Comrade Grace Ike, made the pledge while delivering a goodwill message during the operational tour of the FCT Police Command by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Training and Development, DIG Isyaku Mohammed, at the Command Headquarters in Abuja.
Comrade Ike said the media would continue to partner with the Nigeria Police Force by amplifying verified information, sensitising the public on safety measures, and highlighting successful security operations that restore public confidence.
“We stand ready to support community policing initiatives that bring the police and citizens closer together.
“Responsible and factual reporting helps to build trust, encourages victims to report crimes, and amplifies preventive messages that save lives,” she said.
The NUJ Chairman described “one-chance” robberies, where criminals pose as commercial or private vehicle operators before attacking unsuspecting passengers, as a serious security challenge in Abuja, noting that women and young commuters are among the worst affected.
She observed that many victims fail to report such incidents due to fear, hopelessness or a lack of confidence in the system, thereby allowing perpetrators to continue operating with impunity.
Comrade Ike called for a holistic response that includes strengthened patrols and intelligence gathering, improved public transport safety measures, greater community engagement, enhanced support for victims, and sustained public awareness campaigns through the media.
She also urged security agencies to recognise journalists as key partners in the fight against crime, stressing that timely dissemination of verified information would help counter misinformation and strengthen public confidence in policing.
The NUJ Chairman commended the FCT Police Command for its ongoing modernisation efforts and praised the leadership of the command, particularly the Police Public Relations Office, for maintaining a cordial and professional relationship with the media.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council to promoting balanced, accurate and responsible journalism that highlights the efforts of the police while upholding the principles of accountability and the rule of law.
Comrade Ike further advocated regular capacity-building programmes and continuous dialogue between journalists and the police to foster mutual understanding and improve coordinated responses to security challenges.
“We need sustained collaboration among government agencies, transport unions, community leaders and the media to close the gaps that enable these crimes to persist,” she said.
She also welcomed the Inspector-General of Police’s operational tour of Zone 7, describing it as a demonstration of the commitment of the police leadership to addressing security challenges at the grassroots.
Comrade Ike wished DIG Isyaku Mohammed, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command; CP (Prof.) Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi; and their teams continued success and safety in the discharge of their duties.
