The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has called for a stronger partnership between the police and journalists, saying collaboration between both institutions is critical to tackling insecurity and curbing the spread of fake news.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, at the Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, the commissioner said effective policing depends on the support of the media and the public.
Describing security as a shared responsibility, Olugbenga stressed that both the police and the press have complementary roles in protecting society and fostering public trust.
“We exist because of the society of which we are part. Both the police and the press have responsibilities to the public. There is a need for synergy to make everything work together for the good of society,” he said.
The commissioner urged journalists to avoid speculative reporting, warning that the increasing influence of social media had encouraged the circulation of unverified information capable of undermining security operations and creating unnecessary public anxiety.
“There is no room for speculative journalism. What we need is lifelong investigative journalism. Today, anyone can cook up a story without confirming it because of the pressure of social media,” he added.
Olugbenga advised media practitioners to remain committed to the ethics of accuracy, fairness and professionalism instead of publishing unverified reports to attract attention.
On the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, the commissioner assured residents that investigations were progressing and that the command remained committed to securing the safe release of the victims.
He also acknowledged the need to improve communication within the police, noting that not every officer possesses strong writing and communication skills.
The CP welcomed the Correspondents’ Chapel’s proposal for a joint capacity-building workshop involving journalists and police officers to strengthen professional communication and deepen mutual understanding.
Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Yinka Adeniran, commended the commissioner for what he described as proactive and people-centred policing, noting that the command’s prompt dissemination of information had strengthened relations between the police and the media.
Adeniran expressed confidence in the command’s ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire and urged officers not to be discouraged by public anxiety over the incident.
He also called for sustained efforts to combat fake news and misinformation surrounding security matters, warning that false reports often heighten tension and complicate security operations.
According to him, regular engagement and joint training programmes between journalists and the police would improve communication, build trust and enhance collaboration in addressing security challenges.
Members of the NUJ delegation included Chapel Secretary Rotimi Agboluaje, Assistant Secretary Kazeem Awojoodu, Treasurer Shehu Sulaimon and Auditor Abiola Olowe.
Senior police officers at the meeting included Deputy Commissioner of Police Isiaka Salahudeen, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ekanem Useni, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Finance and Administration) Afolashade Barigboye, Police Public Relations Officer Oluseyi Olayinka Ayanlade, and other senior officers of the command.
