IGP EGBETOKUN CHARGES POLICE PROs TO LEAD NARRATIVE WAR AGAINST MISINFORMATION, VOWS SUPPORT

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has declared that Public Relations Officers of the Nigeria Police Force as commanders on the front line of a critical battle for public trust, framing their role as central to modern policing success.

The IGP stated this on Monday in Abuja while declaring open the 2025 Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officers’ Conference, held at the Police Resource Centre with the theme:
Empowering Communication, enhancing trust.

In his address that blended strategic direction with a stark assessment of the current information landscape, IGP Egbetokun elevated the PROs’ function from a mere support role to a frontline operational instrument. He argued that in today’s security environment, the battle for the mind is now as critical as the battle against crime.

The police boss emphasized that the legitimacy and success of the Force now depend heavily on transparency, accountability, and the quality of communication

“The voice of the Force is your voice. The story of the Force is the story you craft and tell. Your responsibility, therefore, is not only powerful, it is indispensable,” he stated.

He specifically charged the Police Public Relations Officers on firm, strategic hold of the social media space,thereby transforming it from a defensive battlefield into a proactive tool for truth, reputation protection, and confidence-building.

“We must lead conversations, not chase them. We must frame narratives, not merely react to them,” IGP Egbetokun urged.

The IGP delivered a pointed critique of the damaging impact of misinformation, noting that no public institution in Nigeria has suffered more reputational damage from misinformation than the Nigeria Police Force . He cited the circulation of old videos presented as recent events and edited images as major challenges.

While acknowledging that the Force Headquarters cannot respond to every falsehood, he declared that “silence is no more an option.” He instructed command and zonal PROs to act as the first line of defence.

“The responsibility lies with you to respond swiftly, accurately, and responsibly at the point where such misinformation emerges. Your vigilance, clarity, and professionalism are critical to ensuring that misinformation does not become an accepted reality,” said the Police Chief.

To empower the PROs, the IGP outlined concrete support measures, including ongoing investment in modern communication infrastructure, digital tools, and capacity building. He revealed that PR units are being strengthened with improved staffing and more operational autonomy to enhance efficiency and impact.

IGP Egbetokun who affirmed that PROs’ work is pivotal to Nigeria’s future security, said the future of policing in Nigeria will be heavily influenced by how well the police spokespersons cmmunicate, noting that the tools may be digital, but the responsibility remains human and that responsibility rests with them.

“Together, we will secure Nigeria, not only through our operational strength, but through our ability to communicate with wisdom, humility, and vision,” IGP Egbetokun asserted.

The conference, which will run from Monday 8th – Thursday 11th is expected to cover contemporary trends in public communication, digital media dynamics, and crisis management