Police chief calls for media synergy to combat crime in Bayelsa
The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, has called for stronger collaboration with the media to tackle rising insecurity, drug abuse, cultism, and general criminality across the state.
Adewale made this appeal on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council Secretariat, on Azikoro Road, Yenagoa.
*Adewale
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, has called for stronger collaboration with the media to tackle rising insecurity, drug abuse, cultism, and general criminality across the state.
Adewale made this appeal on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council Secretariat, on Azikoro Road, Yenagoa.
Emphasising that effective communication is essential to successful policing, the commissioner highlighted the media as a key partner in engaging the public.
He noted that the police command intends to build on its existing relationship with journalists to enhance security operations, information gathering, and public communication.
“Security is ultimately a shared responsibility,” Adewale stated. “When members of the public possess critical information, they should pass it on to the appropriate agency to enable prompt action and prevent crime.
“Despite our numerical strength, the police force cannot be everywhere. However, through a strong partnership with the press, we can extend our reach.”
The police commissioner also underlined the importance of inter-agency cooperation and community-level intelligence sharing in achieving lasting security results. Citing a practical example, he referenced the abduction of a woman on 28 July.
Following his assumption of office, the command immediately activated relevant security channels, using reliable intelligence to track down the location and secure her safe release.
Addressing the root causes of crime, Adewale highlighted youth engagement as a critical priority, particularly in combating drug abuse and cultism. He urged community leaders and local stakeholders to support initiatives that offer young people productive opportunities, diverting them from criminal activities.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ Bayelsa State Council, Mr Tonye Yemoleigha, reaffirmed that the media remains a steadfast partner in security management and public information dissemination nationwide.
Yemoleigha noted that because field journalists maintain daily contact with communities, a close working relationship with law enforcement agencies is vital.
“Our primary concern is the day-to-day interaction between journalists and police officers on the ground,” Yemoleigha said.
“We must operate in synergy as partners serving the same nation. Our responsibilities are closely linked, and we share a common duty to protect and serve the public.”
The NUJ Chairman encouraged the new Commissioner to maintain the momentum of ongoing police reforms, with a specific focus on personnel training and community relations.
He also called for an aggressive public campaign against drug abuse and cultism to safeguard the state’s youth.
Furthermore, Yemoleigha appealed to private enterprises, philanthropists, and corporate bodies to step up investment in youth empowerment and vocational skills training.
“Government alone cannot provide employment for everyone,” he added. “Corporate entities and public-spirited individuals must step in to equip our young people with the skills required to build productive, self-sustaining lives.”
Concluding the meeting, the NUJ Chairman reassured the police hierarchy of the media’s continued commitment to supporting the command, describing the partnership as essential for sustaining peace and security across Bayelsa State.
