By Adesakin Adefemi
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated the 2025 Annual Conference of Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) of the Nigeria Police Force, highlighting the critical role of strategic communication in contemporary policing.
In a statement issued by Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, on December 8, 2025, the conference serves as a pivotal platform for enhancing police-public communication, shaping national narratives, and fostering trust between law enforcement agencies and the citizenry. The conference, themed “Strategic Communication in Modern Policing: Challenges and Opportunities,” brings together PPROs from across the country to deliberate on best practices and strategies for effective communication.
IGP Egbetokun underscored the escalating challenge of misinformation, disinformation, and perception-driven conflicts, emphasizing that effective information management has become a paramount operational priority. He noted that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to leveraging communication to build trust, promote transparency, and enhance public confidence in law enforcement.
He enjoined PPROs to proactively dominate the information space with truth, clarity, and professionalism, urging them to adopt a proactive, timely, and strategic approach to their engagements.
The IGP emphasized the need for PPROs to be agile, adaptable, and responsive to the changing communication landscape, leveraging technology and innovation to stay ahead of the curve.
The IGP stressed the importance of leveraging social media as a tool for transparency and engagement, cautioning against narrative vacuums that could be exploited by misinformation actors.
He directed PPROs across commands and formations to promptly respond to misleading content, reiterating that falsehood must not be allowed to thrive in the social space.
He also emphasized the need for PPROs to engage with local communities, build partnerships, and foster collaboration to promote mutual understanding and trust. The IGP noted that effective communication is key to preventing and managing conflicts and urged PPROs to prioritize community engagement and outreach.
The conference is expected to enhance the effectiveness of PPROs, sharpen strategic communication, and bolster the national image of the Nigeria Police Force.
Notable dignitaries, including representatives from UNDP, International Alert, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, are in attendance, underscoring the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in policing.
IGP Egbetokun expressed confidence that the sessions would yield positive outcomes, calling for renewed commitment to professionalism, excellence, and integrity among PPROs. He urged participants to take advantage of the conference to share experiences, best practices, and expertise and to return to their stations with renewed energy and determination to drive positive change.
The conference marks a significant step towards improving police-public relations and promoting transparency and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force, aligning with global best practices in law enforcement
communication.
