By Oluwakemi Kindness
Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police Force, IGP Olatunji Disu, has sought the support of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, to rebuild the image of the Nigeria Police Force and restore public trust.
Disu said the police and NIPR share a common responsibility of building trust between institutions and the public.
“The NIPR and the police share the core task, building trust. Without public trust, policing fails. Without credibility in public relations, it’s just noise,” he said.
The IGP spoke on Tuesday when the NIPR leadership, led by its President and Chairman of Council, Dr Ike Neliaku, paid a courtesy visit to the Force Management Team.
Disu acknowledged that the image of the police is not where he wants it to be, but stressed that the actions of a few officers should not define the entire Force.
He described police officers as hardworking Nigerians who risk their lives to protect the public and urged the NIPR to help the Force develop simple and consistent messages that would portray officers as friends and partners in community safety.
The IGP also called for professional training and certification for police public relations personnel, stressing that every police officer is an image maker, regardless of assignment.
According to him, an officer at a checkpoint or police counter can shape public perception of the entire Force through his or her conduct.
Disu recalled the experience of the Rapid Response Squad during the #EndSARS protests, noting that effective communication could help prevent tension and foster better understanding between the police and citizens.
“Nigerians do not hate the police. They want us to do the right things,” he said.
He added that accountability and prompt communication remain essential to rebuilding confidence in the Force.
Disu also said police training is evolving, with greater emphasis now being placed on communication, public engagement and de-escalation rather than producing officers focused solely on combat.
Earlier, NIPR President and Chairman, Dr Ike Neliaku, described every police officer as a public relations officer, noting that the police remain one of the first points of contact between citizens and the state.
Neliaku said the institute considers the police a critical stakeholder in its efforts to strengthen public relations and improve Nigeria’s national reputation.
He also announced that Nigeria will host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum in Abuja in November, with about 3,000 delegates expected from 126 countries.
Neliaku sought the IGP’s support for the event, particularly in providing security and releasing police personnel with expertise in strategic communication, public affairs, intelligence, security communication and reputation management to participate.
He also urged Disu to support the forum as a strategic partner and contribute to discussions on trust, strategic communication and Nigeria’s national reputation.
