Nigeria Police Strengthens Complaint Response Unit, Seeks Stronger Media Partnership for Accountability

Nigeria Police Strengthens Complaint Response Unit, Seeks Stronger Media Partnership for Accountability

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has intensified efforts to enhance internal accountability and transparency by strengthening its Complaint Response Unit (CRU), the Force's primary digital platform for receiving, tracking, and resolving complaints from members of the public.

The newly appointed Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem, highlighted the renewed focus on the CRU during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, on Friday. He also called for closer collaboration with the media to increase public awareness and improve reporting on ongoing police reforms.

Describing the visit as part of his familiarization tour, CSP Edem explained that the CRU remains the Nigeria Police Force's foremost internal accountability mechanism, operating round the clock to receive and address allegations of professional misconduct, extortion, harassment, and human rights violations involving police personnel across the country.

According to him, recent upgrades to the unit are aimed at reducing response times, improving complaint tracking, and enhancing transparency in the resolution of cases. He noted that the improvements reflect the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to institutional reform, professionalism, and improved public trust.

CSP Edem also announced plans to organize a media parley with Zone 7 Police Command as part of efforts to deepen engagement between the police and journalists at the zonal level. He encouraged media practitioners to participate actively, emphasizing that greater interaction would foster accurate and balanced reporting on police activities and reforms.

> "Journalists are part of the police family," CSP Edem said, stressing that informed and responsible reporting would not only help the public hold institutions accountable but also support constructive reforms within the Force.

Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the strengthening of the Complaint Response Unit and reaffirmed the council's commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Police Force.

She commended CSP Edem for his openness and accessibility, assuring him that journalists would continue to amplify citizens' complaints while highlighting developments within the CRU to ensure transparency, public scrutiny, and accountability.

The enhanced Complaint Response Unit is expected to provide a stronger platform for citizens seeking redress while reinforcing the media's role as a watchdog. By publicizing how complaints are received, tracked, and resolved, journalists can help bridge the gap between citizens and law enforcement institutions, promote accountability, and encourage sustained reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.