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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has called for a coordinated response involving security agencies, government institutions, transport unions, community leaders and the media to tackle the growing menace of “one-chance” robberies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Chairman of the Council, Comrade Grace Ike, made the call during her goodwill message at the operational visit of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Department of Training and Development, DIG Isyaku Mohammed, to the FCT Police Command Headquarters in Abuja.
Ike described “one-chance” robberies as a major security challenge confronting residents of the nation’s capital, noting that women and young commuters remain among the most vulnerable victims of the crime.
She observed that many victims fail to report their experiences because of fear, trauma or lack of confidence in the system, allowing criminal gangs to continue operating with little resistance.
She insisted that addressing the menace requires more than law enforcement, stressing that sustained collaboration among all stakeholders is essential to close the gaps exploited by criminals.
“We need sustained collaboration across government agencies, transport unions, community leaders and the media to close the gaps that enable these crimes,” she said.
The NUJ chairman advocated a comprehensive strategy comprising intensified patrols, intelligence-driven policing, improved public transportation safety, community engagement, victim support services and sustained public enlightenment campaigns.
She also pledged the support of the media in promoting community policing through responsible journalism, saying the press would continue to disseminate verified information, educate residents on safety measures and publicise successful security operations.
“We stand ready to support community policing initiatives that bring police and citizens together. Responsible, factual reporting helps to build trust, encourages victims to report crimes and amplifies preventive messages that save lives,” Ike said.
She urged security agencies to continue treating journalists as strategic partners in the fight against crime, noting that timely dissemination of credible information would help counter misinformation, encourage public cooperation and strengthen confidence in policing.
Ike further commended the FCT Police Command for its ongoing modernization efforts and praised the leadership of the Command, particularly the Police Public Relations Office, for maintaining a cordial relationship with the media.
She reaffirmed the NUJ FCT Council’s commitment to balanced and responsible reporting that supports efforts to improve public safety while promoting accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
The NUJ chairman also advocated regular dialogue and capacity-building programmes between journalists and the police to deepen mutual understanding and enhance coordinated responses to emerging security challenges.
She described the operational tour by DIG Isyaku Mohammed as a demonstration of the commitment of the police leadership to addressing security challenges in the FCT and wished the DIG, the Commissioner of Police,
FCT Command, CP (Prof.) Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, and other officers continued success in safeguarding lives and property.
