By Odita Sunday
As misinformation, digital manipulation and unverified security reports increasingly shape public perception within minutes, the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, is set to convene journalists and other media professionals for a two-day conference aimed at strengthening responsible security communication and police-media relations.
The conference, scheduled for September 15 and 16, 2026, at Barcelona Hotel, Wuse 2, Abuja, will bring together journalists, content creators, digital media professionals and other media practitioners to examine the changing role of the media in communicating security issues.
The event will be hosted by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Victor Olaiya, while the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, will serve as Chief Host.
Organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 7 Headquarters, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), the conference will focus on fact-based journalism, responsible security reportage, misinformation management, crisis communication, digital media practices and public safety.
According to the organisers, the initiative is designed to deepen understanding between the Police and the media while equipping participants with the knowledge and professional tools required to report security matters accurately and responsibly.
The conference will also provide an interactive platform for participants to engage directly with resource persons, exchange ideas, build professional networks and explore ways of improving collaboration between security institutions and the media.
The organisers said the need for the engagement had become more pressing in an information environment where unverified reports, manipulated content and misleading narratives could spread rapidly and potentially affect public safety.
They stressed that security communication should inform the public without inflaming tensions, while media practitioners must remain conscious of the potential consequences of inaccurate or irresponsible reporting, particularly during security incidents and crises.
With participation limited to 30 media professionals, the conference is expected to provide an intimate setting for learning, dialogue and practical engagement on emerging challenges in security communication.
The Zone 7 Police Public Relations Office has consequently invited interested media professionals passionate about responsible journalism and the role of information in public safety to participate in the conference.
Further information on the conference and the Police’s social media platforms is available through the Zone 7 Police Public Relations Office.
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