By Sunday Stephen
Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Ridwan Disu, on Saturday paid a surprise visit to the Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja, calling for stronger collaboration between the police and the media in safeguarding the nation.
The unexpected visit took place at the NUJ FCT Secretariat on Ekuikinam Street in Utako, Abuja, just weeks after Disu was confirmed and decorated as Nigeria’s number one police officer.
Arriving quietly in a Toyota Camry with Lagos registration number CN 698KST, accompanied by a police jeep, the IGP’s presence caught many journalists at the press centre off guard.
Despite the surprise appearance, Disu is no stranger to the NUJ premises. During his tenure as Commissioner of Police in the FCT, he visited the council several times and built a cordial relationship with members of the media.
One of his notable engagements with the journalism community was last year’s Ramadan fast-breaking event with reporters in the territory.
Shortly after the union’s March monthly congress, the police chief was ushered into the hall alongside the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, and the Force Media Officer, Ali Giwa.
Addressing the gathering, the IGP commended journalists in the FCT for their vital role in informing the public and contributing to national development. He described his relationship with the media as one built on mutual respect and professionalism.
Disu stressed that journalists should be regarded as respected professionals rather than beggars, noting that the media plays a critical role in society.
“I have always had a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with journalists. They are professionals who deserve respect and should never be treated as beggars,” he said.
He called for deeper collaboration between the police and the media, emphasizing that a strong partnership would enhance public trust and improve security communication across the country.
The police chief also urged both officers and journalists to conduct themselves responsibly at all times, noting that professionalism leaves lasting impressions in society.
Responding, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, congratulated the new IGP on his appointment and described him as a longstanding friend of the press.
She expressed confidence in his leadership and assured him of the council’s readiness to work with the police in reporting security matters objectively.
Ike also revealed that the IGP would be invited as a special guest at the council’s 2026 Press Week celebration, while reaffirming the council’s commitment to promoting responsible journalism and supporting initiatives that strengthen security and governance in the FCT.
Both the Force Public Relations Officer, Placid, and the Force Media Officer, Giwa, also assured journalists of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining open communication and strengthening its working relationship with the media.