The Nigeria Police Force has unveiled a fresh push to strengthen its internal accountability system, announcing major improvements to its Complaint Response Unit (CRU) while seeking a stronger partnership with the media to enhance public confidence and oversight of policing in the country.
The move, which underscores the Force’s renewed emphasis on transparency and professionalism, was disclosed on Friday by the newly appointed Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem, during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council in Abuja.
Edem said the visit formed part of his familiarisation tour following his appointment, but stressed that it also reflected the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to fostering closer engagement with the media as a critical stakeholder in policing and democratic governance.
At the centre of the discussions was the Complaint Response Unit, the Force’s dedicated digital platform established to receive, monitor and resolve complaints against police personnel nationwide.
According to the Force spokesman, the unit is undergoing significant enhancements aimed at making it more efficient, responsive and transparent in handling reports of professional misconduct, extortion, harassment, abuse of office and alleged human rights violations.
He explained that the upgraded system would improve response times, strengthen complaint tracking and provide greater transparency in the resolution of cases, ensuring that citizens receive timely feedback on petitions lodged against erring officers.
Edem noted that building public trust requires a policing system that not only enforces the law but is also willing to hold its personnel accountable whenever standards are breached.
He further disclosed that the Force would soon convene a media parley with the Zone 7 Police Command to deepen engagement with journalists and provide regular updates on policing activities and ongoing reforms.
The initiative, he said, is intended to bridge the information gap between the police and the public by encouraging more informed, factual and balanced reporting.
“Journalists are part of the police family,” Edem said, adding that the media remains an indispensable partner in promoting accountability, educating the public and supporting efforts to reform the Force.
Responding, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the renewed commitment to strengthening the Complaint Response Unit, describing it as a positive step towards improving accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.
She commended the Force PRO for prioritising engagement with journalists and pledged the union’s readiness to work closely with the police in amplifying citizens’ complaints and ensuring that issues brought before the CRU receive sustained public attention.
Ike said the media would continue to play its constitutional role by reporting objectively on police reforms while giving citizens a platform to seek redress through established institutional channels.
The renewed focus on the Complaint Response Unit comes amid increasing public demand for greater accountability and transparency within law enforcement institutions. Analysts believe that an efficient complaints mechanism, backed by active media scrutiny and public engagement, could significantly strengthen confidence in the police and reinforce ongoing efforts to reposition the Force as a more professional, citizen-focused institution.
0 Comments