The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Ridwan Disu, has commended journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for their role in informing the public and promoting national development, while calling for stronger collaboration between the police and the media.
Disu made the call on Saturday while addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council during its congress in Abuja.
The police chief described his relationship with journalists as one built on mutual respect, professionalism and a shared responsibility toward society.
He stressed that journalists should always be treated with dignity as professionals whose work contributes significantly to democratic governance and public awareness.
“I have always maintained a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with journalists. They are professionals who deserve respect and should never be treated as beggars,” he said.
The Inspector-General emphasized the need to deepen cooperation between the police and the media, noting that stronger collaboration would help build public trust and enhance effective communication on security issues.
According to him, both police officers and media practitioners must uphold high professional standards in their engagements, as their actions and attitudes shape public perception.
Responding on behalf of journalists, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, congratulated the police chief 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 closely with the police to promote objective and responsible reporting on security matters.
Ike also disclosed that the Inspector-General would be invited as a special guest to the council’s 2026 Press Week celebration.
She reaffirmed the council’s commitment to promoting responsible journalism and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening security and good governance in the nation’s capital.
