The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has stepped up efforts to tackle human rights abuses and strengthen internal accountability with plans to upgrade its Complaint Response Unit (CRU), the Force’s digital platform for receiving, tracking and resolving complaints against police officers.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council in Abuja, where he also called for closer collaboration with the media to improve public awareness of ongoing police reforms.

Describing the visit as part of his familiarisation tour since assuming office, Edem said the CRU remains one of the Force’s foremost accountability mechanisms, operating round-the-clock to receive complaints bordering on professional misconduct, extortion, harassment and other human rights violations by police personnel across the country.

He explained that the planned upgrades are aimed at reducing response time, improving complaint tracking and ensuring greater transparency in the handling of cases, in line with the reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police.

According to him, strengthening the complaint response system will not only enhance public confidence in policing but also reinforce discipline and professionalism within the Force.

Edem also announced plans to hold a media parley with Zone 7 Command as part of efforts to deepen engagement between the police and journalists, noting that accurate and balanced reporting is essential to sustaining public trust.

“Journalists are part of the police family,” he said. “Through responsible reporting, the media can help the public understand ongoing reforms while also holding institutions accountable.”

Responding, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the initiative and pledged the union’s support in promoting public awareness of the Complaint Response Unit and other reform measures.

She commended the Force PRO for his openness to engagement and assured him that journalists would continue to amplify citizens’ complaints while ensuring that issues of public concern receive adequate attention and follow-up.