By Francis Sadhere, Warri
The Area Commander, Warri Area Command, ACP Graham Imade, has stressed the need for sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the media, describing journalists as indispensable partners in promoting peace, security and public awareness.
Imade made the call on Monday when the executive and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Warri.
The Area Commander said members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm remained the voice of the voiceless and played a vital role in ensuring that important information reached people in both urban and remote communities.
According to him, effective policing cannot succeed without the support of a responsible and professional media, just as journalism cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
He expressed satisfaction with the cordial relationship that has existed between the Warri Area Command and members of the chapel since assuming office, noting that the synergy had contributed to improved understanding between the police and the media.
Imade acknowledged that while misunderstandings may occasionally arise, such issues could always be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect. He expressed optimism that the existing partnership would continue to grow stronger.
The Area Commander assured the journalists that the command remained committed to sustaining the peace and tranquillity currently being enjoyed across the Warri Area Command through proactive policing and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
He disclosed that the command had intensified engagement with school proprietors, religious leaders, market associations, transport unions and other community groups as part of efforts to prevent crime and strengthen public safety.
Imade also called on journalists to serve as security ambassadors in their respective communities by promptly reporting suspicious activities and sharing credible intelligence with security agencies.
He commended some members of the chapel who had, at different times, alerted him to perceived security threats in their neighbourhoods, saying their timely information had enabled the police to respond appropriately.
The police chief, however, urged members of the public to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies by providing useful information and evidence needed to prosecute criminal suspects, stressing that accusations alone were insufficient for securing convictions in court.
He assured residents that information supplied to the police would be treated with utmost confidentiality and encouraged citizens to keep the contact numbers of Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) for prompt reporting of emergencies.
Noting that crime has no geographical boundaries, Imade said swift information sharing among communities, journalists and security agencies remained critical to preventing criminal activities and ensuring timely response.
He urged the NUJ members to sustain their partnership with the police by using their platforms to promote security awareness and encourage residents to support law enforcement efforts, adding that maintaining peace and security was a collective responsibility.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Chief Akpokona Omafuaire, had called for closer collaboration between the police and the media to enhance public safety and effective dissemination of information across the Warri area.
He said the visit was aimed at reinforcing the cordial relationship that already exists between the police and the media, describing the partnership as one that promotes progress and serves the overall interest of society.
According to him, journalists play a critical role in informing the public about the activities and achievements of security agencies, stressing that the police deserve recognition for their successes in combating crime and maintaining public safety.
“The police cannot achieve maximum success without strategic partners like the media. When the police record breakthroughs in fighting crime or improving security, it is important that journalists are informed so that members of the public will appreciate the efforts being made,” he said.
The NUJ chairman also appealed for greater protection for journalists while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities, noting that media practitioners are often exposed to risks in the course of their duties and require the support of security agencies.
He commended ACP Imade for the transformation of the Warri Area Command headquarters, describing the renovated office complex as a reflection of purposeful leadership and the commitment of the Area Commander and his officers to improving the working environment.
He further acknowledged the efforts of officers and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) under the command in strengthening policing across the Warri area, expressing confidence that the existing cordial relationship between the police and the media would continue to flourish.
