The Nigeria Police Force, Warri Area Command, has intensified engagement with school proprietors, religious leaders, market associations, and transport unions as part of efforts to prevent crime and strengthen public safety.

The area commander, in charge of the command, Graham Imade, disclosed this on Tuesday in Warri when members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, paid him a courtesy visit at the command.

Mr Imade described the media as an indispensable partner in promoting peace in society and called for sustained synergy between it and the Nigeria Police.

“The media remains the voice of the voiceless in society. Effective policing cannot succeed without the support of a responsible and professional media. Journalism as well cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction with the robust relationship that had existed between the command and the correspondents’ chapel over the years.

According to him, misunderstandings may occasionally arise and can always be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect.

“I am confident that the existing partnership will continue to wax stronger,” he said.

On the current existing peace in Warri and environs, Mr Imade said that the command remained committed to sustaining it through proactive policing and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

He urged journalists to serve as security ambassadors in their respective communities through prompt reports of suspicious activities and sharing of credible intelligence with the security agencies.

The area commander also urged the public to always cooperate with the law enforcement agencies by providing useful information and evidence needed to prosecute criminal suspects.

He assured residents that information supplied to the police would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

“No crime has geographical boundary. Swift information sharing among communities, journalists and security agencies remain critical to preventing criminal activities and ensuring timely response,” he said.

Earlier, in his remark, the chairman of the chapel, Akpokona Omafuaire, called for improved synergy between the media and the police.

Mr Omafuaire said the visit was aimed at reinforcing the already existing cordial relationship between the police and the media.

He described the partnership as one that had promoted progress and served the overall interest of society.

“The police cannot achieve maximum success without strategic partners like the media. When the police record breakthroughs in crime fighting, the media informed the public on the feat,” he said.

He appealed for greater protection for journalists while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

He, however, noted that media practitioners were often exposed to risks in the course of duties and hence required the support of security agencies.

(NAN)