Strengthening Policing Through Communication
By Shukurat Temitope Ibrahim
In a country where rumours spread faster than verified information, and where public trust in security institutions is often fragile, communication has become one of the most powerful policing tools in Nigeria. Few security agencies demonstrate this better than the Lagos State Police Command, which continues to set a remarkable example in strategic media engagement.
In the months leading to the July 12, 2025 Lagos Local Government elections, the command intensified public advocacy for peace by announcing strict security measures—massive deployment of personnel, bans on armed escorts, prohibition of sirens, and restrictions on vehicles with covered number plates. It was not just law enforcement; it was strategic reassurance, showing residents that the state was prepared, alert, and responsive.
Again, in December 2025, the command proactively tightened security around schools, places of worship, and public centres as the festive “ember months” approached. At a time when criminal activity tends to spike, the steady flow of information from the police created a sense of stability.
The command has also used communication to humanise its institution. From presenting cheques to families of fallen officers to promptly refuting false allegations—such as claims of attacks on residents during demolition exercises—the Lagos Police Command has demonstrated an understanding that transparency builds credibility.
Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Moshood Olohundare Jimoh and the professionalism of the command’s spokesperson, media engagement has become a backbone of security operations. Regular press releases, media briefings, interviews, and verified updates on radio, television, and social media have ensured that residents receive reliable information rather than speculation.
In today’s Nigeria, where misinformation travels with alarming speed, this clarity is invaluable. Each verified update helps citizens navigate chaos, supports safer decision-making, and prevents the amplification of falsehoods. When communication is consistent, communities feel seen, informed, and safer.
This effectiveness was evident during major emergencies in Lagos. After critical incidents—including road accidents capable of paralysing traffic—the police provided real-time guidance on road closures, evacuation routes, and emergency support. Such communication dissolved confusion before it escalated, blocked false reports, and provided calm, credible updates to affected families.
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Regular press releases also improved public understanding of crime patterns, hotspot areas, and the progress of ongoing operations. Instead of vague statements, residents received actionable information. This transparency has strengthened trust—a key ingredient in any functional security ecosystem.
The role of journalists remains central. In states like Kwara, Kano and Anambra police authorities also meet monthly with media practitioners from radio, online platforms, and print outlets. These meetings create a healthy environment where journalists ask questions freely, officers clarify sensitive issues, and both sides work toward accurate reporting. The result is fewer speculative stories, better protection for victims, and more reliable public knowledge.
Digital communication has expanded this improvement even further. Several police commands now run verified social media accounts posting traffic alerts, missing-person notices, safety advisories, and updates on security operations.
During flooding, coordinated communication among the police and other emergency agencies helped residents avoid dangerous routes and facilitated faster rescue responses.
Such communication becomes even more essential during national moments of tension. During the last general election cycle, regular police briefings effectively countered false narratives circulating online. These updates reassured the public about security arrangements, reduced the influence of fake news, and improved voter confidence.
Training is equally essential. Commands that invest in professional development for their Public Relations Officers achieve better outcomes. These trained officers communicate clearly, respond promptly, avoid panic-inducing statements, and uphold the ethics of public information sharing. The Lagos Police Public Relations Unit remains one of the clearest examples of this commitment to excellence.
When police communication works, everything else aligns. Communities are more willing to cooperate. Journalists are better informed. Rumours lose their destructive power. And citizens follow safety instructions with greater trust because they see consistency, honesty, and professionalism.
Ultimately, effective media engagement is not merely a strategy—it is the bridge that connects institutions to the people they serve. It is the difference between suspicion and partnership, between confusion and clarity, between fear and confidence.
In a Nigeria grappling with evolving security challenges, this difference matters more than ever.
If you’d like, I can also create a shorter version, a headline, a caption, or convert it into a news report.
Shukurat Temitope Ibrahim is a PRNigeria Fellow. shukuratibrahim [email protected]
