The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council, has pledged active media support for community policing and called for a comprehensive approach to tackle the growing threat of ‘one-chance’ crime in the Federal Capital Territory.
Chairman of the Council, Comrade Grace Ike, made this known in his goodwill message during the operational tour of the FCT Command by the Deputy Inspector‑General of Police, Department of Training and Development, DIG Isyaku Mohammed, at the Command’s headquarters on Saturday.
Comrade Ike said the press will continue to partner with the police to amplify verified information, sensitise the public on safety measures, and highlight successful operations that restore public confidence.
“We stand ready to support community policing initiatives that bring police and citizens together.
“Responsible, factual reporting helps build trust, encourages victims to report crimes, and amplifies preventive messages that save lives,” she noted.
She also warned that the notorious ‘one‑chance’ robberies, where perpetrators quickly attack passengers in commercial and private vehicles, have become a serious security concern in Abuja, disproportionately affecting women and young commuters.
She said many victims do not report incidents because they feel helpless or distrustful, allowing offenders to operate with impunity.
She called for a holistic strategy that combines strengthened patrols and intelligence, improved public transport safety measures, community engagement, victim support services, and targeted media campaigns.
The NUJ chairman further stated that journalists should be treated as partners in this effort so that verified updates can circulate quickly, misinformation can be countered, and community trust in policing can grow.
She pledged that the NUJ FCT Council will continue to deliver balanced, accountable reporting that projects police efforts while holding institutions to the rule of law.
The NUJ chairman also called for capacity building and regular dialogue between journalists and police to deepen mutual understanding and improve coordinated responses to crime.
“We need sustained collaboration across government agencies, transport unions, community leaders, and the media to close the gaps that enabled these crimes,” she said.
Comrade Ike welcomed the IGP’s operational tour of Zone 7 as a sign that top police leadership is attentive to on‑the‑ground realities, wishing the DIG Isyaku Mohammed, CP Prof. Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, and their teams continued success and safety.
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