The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has underscored the importance of a closer working relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the media, saying sustained collaboration is essential to addressing security challenges and keeping the public accurately informed.
Olugbenga stated this on Thursday, July 9, 2026, while hosting executives of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
The police commissioner described security as a collective responsibility, stressing that law enforcement agencies cannot effectively safeguard lives and property without the cooperation of journalists and members of the public.
According to him, responsible journalism plays a critical role in supporting security operations by ensuring that only verified information reaches the public.
He urged media practitioners to avoid sensational and speculative reports, warning that the increasing influence of social media has made the spread of false information more prevalent.
Olugbenga maintained that journalists should prioritise fact-checking and investigative reporting over the race to break stories, noting that inaccurate reports could jeopardise security efforts and create unnecessary public panic.
He said the police command remained committed to transparency and would continue to engage with the media to ensure timely dissemination of credible information.
Speaking on the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, the commissioner assured residents that investigations were progressing and that security operatives were working tirelessly to secure the victims’ safe release.
Olugbenga also admitted that effective communication remains an area requiring improvement within the police, revealing that the command was open to initiatives that would enhance the writing and communication skills of officers.
He welcomed the proposal by the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel to organise a joint capacity-building workshop for journalists and police personnel, describing it as a valuable step towards improving professional interaction and fostering mutual understanding.
Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Yinka Adeniran, praised the Oyo State Police Command for maintaining regular communication with the media, saying the approach had strengthened public confidence in the command’s activities.
Adeniran encouraged the police not to relent in efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire despite growing public concern over the incident.
He also called for greater collaboration between journalists and security agencies in tackling fake news, noting that misinformation often complicates security operations and fuels unnecessary anxiety among residents.
The chapel chairman further advocated periodic engagement sessions and joint training programmes to promote professionalism, improve information management and deepen cooperation between the police and the media.
Among those in the NUJ delegation were the Chapel Secretary, Rotimi Agboluaje; Assistant Secretary, Kazeem Awojoodu; Treasurer, Shehu Sulaimon; and Auditor, Abiola Olowe.
Senior officers present at the meeting included the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Isiaka Salahudeen; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ekanem Useni; Deputy Commissioner of Police (Finance and Administration), Afolashade Barigboye; and the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Olayinka Ayanlade, alongside other senior officers of the command.
