The role of the media in Nigeria’s security efforts has come under renewed focus, with Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, calling for closer cooperation between journalists and security agencies.
Disu spoke on Wednesday at the 40th anniversary book launch and reunion of Vanguard Newspapers at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The IGP said effective communication and responsible reporting were essential to keeping the public informed without compromising ongoing security operations.
He described the police and media as inseparable partners, stressing that their relationship should be built on mutual respect and cooperation.
“The police and the media must work together. Security and the media are twins that cannot be separated. That relationship must be built on mutual respect”, he said.
Disu noted that the media’s wide reach gives it a crucial role in communicating security information and shaping public understanding of security challenges. However, he urged journalists to exercise caution when reporting sensitive security incidents, warning that some information could unintentionally provide useful intelligence to criminal elements.
He also encouraged journalists to highlight the human impact of insecurity while maintaining their watchdog and public enlightenment responsibilities.
