NUJ JIGAWA, POLICE COMMISSIONER VOW CLOSER COLLABORATION TO TACKLE CRIME
By Ali Baba-Inuwa
The police command in Jigawa and the State’s Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have pledged closer collaboration to tackle crimes in the state.
This followed a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Council, today to the new Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, CP Tijjani Murtala.
The visit is aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in promoting peace, security, and development within Jigawa State.
During the visit, NUJ Jigawa Chairman, Comrade Ismai’il Dutse Ibrahim, formally congratulated CP Murtala on his recent appointment as Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command. He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to a productive partnership with the police force.
“We are here to congratulate the new CP, and to reaffirm our support for a working relationship that promotes transparency, responsible journalism, and security in Jigawa State. The NUJ recognises the critical role of the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining peace, security, and the rule of law in the State,” Dutse stated.
He emphasized that the NUJ, as the umbrella body for journalists in Jigawa State, is dedicated to fostering an environment where media practitioners can operate without fear of intimidation or harassment, both online and offline.
“We have zero tolerance for the intimidation or harassment of journalists. But we also promote ethical and responsible journalism because misinformation can be dangerous. Journalists must be accountable for what they put out to the public,” he added.
He expressed optimism that stronger police-media collaboration would significantly contribute to building public trust and strengthening democracy.
The Chairman also announced that, for the first time in the union’s history, the NUJ Jigawa State Council is organizing an “NUJ Week,” a seven-day series of activities. This event will include training workshops, public lectures, a sensitization walk, and sports activities, among others.
“Our public lectures and the sensitization walk will focus on critical issues such as the role of journalists for the smooth conduct of the forthcoming 2027 general elections, campaigns against political thuggery, drug abuse, and child sexual abuse. We believe these initiatives coincide perfectly with the objectives of the police force in maintaining peace and order within our communities,” the Chairman said.
Beyond the NUJ Week, the union proposed broader areas of sustained partnership, including Information Sharing, Capacity Building, Public Enlightenment, and Fact-Checking.
“Therefore, we seek to partner with the Jigawa State Police Command not just for the success of this maiden NUJ Week, but for a sustained collaboration that will benefit all citizens of Jigawa State. Your support and collaboration in these expanded areas would be invaluable in building a safer and more informed society,” Ibrahim concluded.
Responding, CP Tijjani Murtala thanked the NUJ for the visit, acknowledging the critical role of the press in shaping public perception and supporting the work of law enforcement.
“We need each other in the discharge of our constitutional responsibilities. Through your reportage, you can project our efforts, and you can also share information with us all in the interest to promote peace and security in our dear state. That is why synergy is not optional—it is necessary,” he stated.
He urged journalists to help sensitize the public on law-abiding conduct and to avoid preventable conflicts with security operatives.
CP Tijjani Murtala also disclosed that the Command has adopted strategies to improve safety, particularly in combating criminal activities. He called on residents to support security efforts by providing credible intelligence, noting that security is a shared responsibility.
The Commissioner assured the NUJ leadership of his readiness to collaborate with the union to fight all social vices in the state, most especially sexual harassment, drug abuse, and many others, to secure a peaceful society in Jigawa State.
He further promised sustained engagement with the media, particularly to fight fake news and avoid misinformation. CP Murtala pledged to maintain an open-door policy and encouraged reciprocal attendance at events.
“When you invite us, we will come. When we invite you, please join us. Our faces should be seen at each other’s programmes. Security and journalists must work hand in hand,” he affirmed.
