IGP Egbetokun opens 2025 Police PR officers’ conference, urges strategic communication

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, formally opened the 2025 Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officers’ (PROs) Conference on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Police Resource Centre in Abuja.

The annual gathering is designed to enhance the professional capacity of Public Relations Officers and strengthen public engagement and trust in the Force.

In his opening address, IGP Egbetokun emphasized that policing today is no longer defined solely by operational capacity. Instead, public trust, transparency, and effective communication are critical benchmarks for legitimacy.

He described PROs as frontline commanders in the battle against misinformation, disinformation, and hostile narratives, which have become major challenges in modern policing.

“The story of the Force is the story you craft and tell. Your responsibility is not only powerful, it is indispensable,” the IGP said.

He highlighted the importance of coherent, factual, and timely messaging, noting that fragmented communication undermines institutional authority, while unified messaging strengthens it.

IGP Egbetokun announced significant investments in modern communication infrastructure, digital tools, and capacity-building programs to empower PROs to dominate the information space responsibly.

Recent approvals include new postings of PROs across commands and formations and greater operational autonomy for more effective public engagement.

“We are strengthening PR units nationwide to ensure your work is efficient, responsive, and impactful,” he said.

The IGP underscored the strategic importance of social media, urging PROs to lead narratives rather than react to them. He stressed that misinformation, including resurfaced videos, edited images, and false claims, has damaged the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force. PROs, he said, are the first line of defence in the information ecosystem.

He urged PROs to highlight stories of compassion, service, and sacrifice to restore public confidence.

“Nigerians must see the human face of policing. They must hear about officers who go beyond the call of duty to save lives and restore peace,” he said.

IGP Egbetokun further called for proactive engagement, emphasizing that officers must anticipate issues, communicate factual and respectful rebuttals to false narratives, and maintain confidentiality in sensitive cases.

The conference, IGP Egbetokun noted, is a strategic platform for learning, alignment, and renewal. Sessions will cover contemporary trends in public communication, digital media dynamics, crisis response, stakeholder management, and ethical standards.

PROs are expected to leave better equipped, motivated, and aligned to serve the nation with clarity, confidence, and vision.

“The future of policing in Nigeria will be heavily influenced by how well we communicate. You hold the frontline of institutional trust and the narrative that defines the Nigeria Police Force in the hearts and minds of our people,” he said.

Concluding the address, IGP Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to strengthening the bond with the public through transparency, accountability, and genuine engagement, noting that security is achieved not only through operational strength but also through effective communication.