PPRO Visits Correspondents’ Chapel, Seeks Stronger Media–Police Collaboration

From Paul Orude Bauchi 

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bauchi State Command, Superintendent of Police (SP) Nafiu Habib, on Tuesday, paid a familiarisation visit to members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi, describing the engagement as crucial to strengthening collaboration between the Police and the media.

The PPRO explained that although he decided to begin his familiarisation visits with the NUJ State Council, correspondents were the first group he was expected to engage with, given their strategic role in information management and national discourse.

He apologised for arriving late, attributing the delay to the nature of police duties.

He condoled journalists over the death of seven colleagues in neighbouring Gombe State.

The PPRO commended correspondents for their professionalism, noting that credible correspondence now dominates the information space.

According to him, the relative peace enjoyed in Bauchi State is partly a result of effective control of fake news, which he attributed to the responsible and professional conduct of correspondents.

He appealed for continued cooperation and support to enable the Police Command to serve the people of the state more effectively.

SP Habib emphasised the values of sincerity, integrity, and transparency, stressing that while organisations may not remember individuals after retirement, posterity and ultimately God would judge everyone by their actions.

He urged journalists not to unjustly defend their organisations when they are wrong and assured the Chapel of his openness to guidance, corrections, and constructive criticism.

Responding on behalf of the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Ahmed Mohammed, the Vice Chairman, Auwal Hassan, disclosed that the Chapel has over 37 members representing national and international newspapers, television, and radio organisations.

The Chairman  described correspondents as a powerful arm of the NUJ and a major driver of national news.

He appreciated the PPRO’s visit, noting that the meeting provided an opportunity for mutual interaction and better understanding between journalists and the Police Command.

Hassan stressed that correspondents are instrumental in national reportage and play a critical role in disseminating information that supports security operations, especially amid the country’s security challenges. 

He noted that effective collaboration between the media and the police helps to make policing easier and more efficient.

He appealed for maximum support and cooperation from the Police Command, urging the PPRO not to be sceptical of journalists and to remain accessible, particularly in responding promptly to calls and requests for information.

He further emphasised that while press releases are important, matters that require physical presence and deeper engagement are better handled through direct invitations and interactive briefings, which journalists value more.

The Vice Chairman, in company  with the Secretary Mr Samuel Luka, other members , assured the PPRO that members of the Correspondents’ Chapel would continue to give maximum professional support to the Police Command in the interest of public safety and responsible information dissemination