Public Distrust of Police Is Institutional, Doesn’t Reflect Ongoing Reforms – FPRO
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, has said that the widespread public distrust of the Nigeria Police Force is institutional and has evolved over many years, stressing that it does not accurately reflect the reforms and operational successes recorded under the current leadership of the Force.
Speaking on Wednesday during a live appearance on the Kakaaki morning television programme, where he discussed Police and Security: Police Efforts in the Current War Against Insecurity, CSP Iniedu acknowledged that many Nigerians still view the Police with skepticism despite the Force’s intensified efforts to improve security and strengthen public engagement.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has adopted a proactive communication strategy aimed at highlighting its operations, achievements, and ongoing reforms across various media platforms.
“The public distrust for the Force is quite institutional and has been there for a while. However, under the strategic leadership of the 23rd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, the Police is now telling its own stories. We are on every platform showcasing our activities and achievements for Nigerians to see,” he said.
Addressing concerns over whether the challenge facing the Police lies in communication or public interaction, the FPRO maintained that the Force remains committed to its responsibilities but continues to battle negative narratives that often overshadow its accomplishments.
He noted that while the Police records significant operational successes in the fight against crime and insecurity, reports of misconduct frequently receive greater public attention than positive developments.
“In the Nigerian context, what trends most are the negative stories about the Police. Our achievements and even our challenges are available on different platforms, but misinformation and disinformation remain major obstacles,” Iniedu stated.
The Police spokesman further disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police has introduced several initiatives to strengthen strategic communication and public relations across the Force in a bid to counter false narratives and improve transparency.
Among the initiatives, he highlighted a recently concluded two-day Strategic Public Relations Course for Commissioners of Police from all state commands. The training, he explained, was designed to enhance communication skills, improve public engagement, and equip senior police officers with strategies for combating misinformation and disinformation.
According to CSP Iniedu, the programme forms part of the broader reform agenda of the Nigeria Police Force aimed at rebuilding public confidence, promoting transparency, and fostering stronger partnerships between the Police and the communities they serve.
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