By Nkechi Eze
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, on Monday declared open the 2025 Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officers’ Conference, charging Police spokespersons across the country to take firm command of the information space and lead national conversations with accuracy, professionalism, and strategic clarity.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Police Resource Centre in Abuja on December 8, 2025, the IGP described the annual gathering as “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 emphasised that modern policing is no longer defined solely by operational capabilities but increasingly by public trust, transparency, and communication. According to him, “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.”
Addressing the Public Relations Officers (PROs), he described their role as 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 highlighted that the information landscape has become a frontline operational environment, noting that “the battle for the mind is now as critical as the battle against crime,” stressing that Police PROs are the commanders on that frontline. He praised them for their resilience in navigating fast-moving information cycles, countering misinformation, responding to crises, and defending the truth under pressure. “For this, the leadership and the entire Nigeria Police Force are proud of you,” he affirmed.
IGP Egbetokun said the conference provides an avenue to strengthen uniformity in police messaging nationwide, adding that coherent communication is essential to institutional authority. He assured 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. “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,” he said.
The IGP also called on PROs to elevate their roles beyond issuing press statements and become strategic advisers, crisis communication managers, and defenders of the institution’s reputation. He warned that a single unguarded statement could undermine months of operational achievements, while a well-crafted, factual, and empathetic message could ease tension and build trust.
He placed particular emphasis on the social media space, urging spokespersons to take proactive ownership of digital conversations. “It must not be a battlefield where the Force is constantly on the defensive. It must become a tool in your hands, an instrument of truth, reputation protection, public enlightenment, and confidence-building,” he said. He stressed that while the IGP and Force Headquarters cannot respond to every falsehood circulating online, “silence is no more an option,” and PROs must act swiftly at the point where misinformation emerges.
Reaffirming ongoing reforms within the Police, he described them as “wide, deep, and people-focused,” anchored on fairness, service excellence, accountability, and respect for human rights. He told the officers: “You are the torchbearers of this reform narrative. It is your duty to interpret these reforms to the public clearly, and to ensure that officers within the system understand and internalise them.”
He urged spokespersons to highlight not only enforcement successes but also stories of compassion, sacrifice, and service that show the human face of policing. “Nigerians must see the human face of policing… This is how we gradually rebuild and sustain trust,” he said.
The IGP reminded PROs of the importance of confidentiality in sensitive cases, stressing that transparency must never compromise investigations, prosecutions, or the safety of victims. He also encouraged strong partnerships with journalists, civil society, community leaders, and international partners, noting that “collaboration amplifies impact” and “mutual respect facilitates cooperation.”
He underscored the importance of internal communication as well, noting that every Police officer must understand current reforms, directives, and institutional expectations. “A well-informed officer is better positioned to serve the public, respect procedure, and represent the institution honourably,” he stated.
The police chief stressed the need for modern communication strategies including data-driven messaging, targeted campaigns, multilingual outreach, and effective use of audiovisual content to engage diverse communities meaningfully.
He charged participants to engage deeply during the conference, share experiences, interrogate assumptions, and develop improved approaches to communication. “When you leave this hall at the end of this conference, you must leave better equipped, better aligned, and better motivated,” he declared.
Reaffirming his confidence in the PROs, Egbetokun said the future of policing will be shaped by how well the Force communicates. “The tools may be digital, but the responsibility remains human and that responsibility rests with you,” he said. “You hold the front line of institutional trust. You hold the frontline of the narrative that defines the Nigeria Police Force in the hearts and minds of our people.”
He concluded by formally declaring the 2025 Public Relations Officers’ Conference open, wishing participants productive deliberations and transformative outcomes for the Nigeria Police Force and the country.
“Together, we will build trust through transparency, accountability, and genuine engagement. Together, we will secure Nigeria, not only through our operational strength, but through our ability to communicate with wisdom, humility, and vision,” he said.
