The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Monday, December 8, 2025, declared open the 2025 Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officers’ Conference at the Police Resource Centre, Abuja, calling on Public Relations Officers across the country to take firm control of the national information space and strengthen public trust in policing.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the IGP described the annual gathering as a “strategic national engagement” aimed at boosting the capacity of Police spokespersons to shape public narratives, counter misinformation, and deepen citizen confidence in the Force.
He emphasized that in modern policing, communication, transparency, and public trust are as important as operational capacity.
“The success and legitimacy of policing across the world are increasingly determined by the quality of communication between the Police and the public,” he said. “The story of the Force is the story you craft and tell.”
Egbetokun commended the PROs for their resilience in managing a fast-paced information environment marked by misinformation, digital propaganda, and perception warfare. He noted that public relations has become a frontline operational tool for the Police.
He stressed the need for uniform, accurate, and timely messaging nationwide, warning that fragmented communication weakens institutional credibility.
The IGP disclosed ongoing reforms to strengthen Police communication infrastructure, including investment in modern digital tools, enhanced staffing of PR units across commands, capacity-building programmes, and greater operational autonomy for PROs.
He urged officers to take proactive control of the social media space, describing it as a vital battleground in shaping public perception.
“No institution in Nigeria has suffered more reputational damage from misinformation than the Nigeria Police Force,” he stated. “Silence is no longer an option. You are the first line of defence in the information ecosystem.”
The Police chief further charged the PROs to promote narratives that highlight not only enforcement achievements but also compassion, service, and the sacrifices of officers who protect communities daily.
He also called for stronger relationships with journalists, civil society groups, community leaders, and international partners to enhance credibility and public enlightenment.
Egbetokun emphasized responsible communication, noting that while transparency is essential, confidentiality in sensitive cases must be upheld to protect victims and ongoing investigations.
As the Force continues its reform agenda—anchored on fairness, accountability, respect for human rights, and community partnership—the IGP reminded PROs that they are the “torchbearers” of the reform narrative.
He urged them to leave the conference “better equipped, aligned, and motivated” to communicate effectively, manage crises, strengthen internal morale, and represent the Force professionally.
Declaring the conference open, Egbetokun expressed confidence that the deliberations would be transformative for both the Nigeria Police Force and the nation.
“Together, we will build trust through transparency, accountability, and genuine engagement,” he said.
The conference will feature sessions on digital media dynamics, crisis communication, stakeholder engagement, ethical standards, and modern policing communication strategies.
