By Temisan Jemiriayegbe, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force is stepping up its accountability drive with plans to strengthen its Complaint Response Unit (CRU), while also deepening engagement with the media as part of broader reforms aimed at rebuilding public trust.
The renewed commitment was unveiled by the newly appointed Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem, during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, on Friday. The visit, described as part of his familiarisation tour, highlighted the Force’s determination to make policing more transparent, responsive and citizen-focused.
At the heart of the reform is the Complaint Response Unit, the Police Force’s digital platform that operates round the clock to receive, monitor and resolve complaints from members of the public. The unit handles reports of professional misconduct, extortion, harassment and alleged human rights abuses involving police personnel across the country.
CSP Edem disclosed that the CRU is being upgraded to improve the speed of responses, strengthen case-tracking mechanisms and provide greater transparency in the handling of complaints. According to him, the improvements reflect the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to institutional reforms and enhanced public confidence in the Force.
Recognising the media as a critical stakeholder in the reform process, the Force PRO announced plans to host a media parley with Zone 7 Command to foster closer collaboration with journalists and improve public understanding of ongoing policing reforms.
“Journalists are part of the police family,” Edem said, noting that balanced and informed reporting remains essential to promoting accountability, public confidence and meaningful institutional change.
Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the council’s readiness to work with the Nigeria Police Force in promoting transparency and public accountability.
She commended CSP Edem for his open and engaging leadership style, assuring him that journalists would continue to give visibility to citizens’ complaints while reporting objectively on the activities and progress of the Complaint Response Unit.
For observers, the strengthening of the CRU represents more than an administrative upgrade. It offers a renewed opportunity to bridge the trust gap between the police and the public by ensuring complaints are not only received but effectively addressed. With stronger media collaboration, the initiative is expected to encourage greater citizen participation, reinforce accountability and support the ongoing transformation of policing in Nigeria.