Abimbola made the appeal on Thursday while receiving executives of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists during a courtesy visit to the police headquarters in Ibadan.

According to him, collaboration between the media and security agencies is important in tackling rising security challenges and improving policing across the state.

He explained that the relationship between the police and journalists in Oyo had continued to produce positive outcomes over the years.

“We need the media to help showcase the successes of the police and also help correct wrong public narratives about the force,” the CP stated.

Abimbola stressed that maintaining security should not be left to security agencies alone, noting that useful and timely information from the public remains essential for successful operations.

Reflecting on his background as a former cub reporter with Radio Kwara, the police commissioner said the spread of misinformation had become alarming, adding that only responsible journalism could help curb the trend.

He further disclosed that police authorities were taking steps to strengthen discipline among officers and urged journalists to report any case of misconduct directly to the command.

The CP also revealed that the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, recently introduced a new tactical police unit aimed at improving operations across the country.

He noted that officers selected for the unit had already completed specialised training, while the inauguration of the unit at the Oyo command was scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State NUJ, Akeem Abas, commended Abimbola for what he described as his outstanding contributions to policing in the state.

Abas said the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Oyo was largely due to the efforts of the police command, especially in crime prevention and arrests.

He added that journalists, security agencies and government institutions all had important roles to play in promoting responsible conduct in society.

The NUJ chairman also called for stronger cooperation among the media, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the union is already putting plans in place for a summit focused on election preparedness.

The visit comes amid increasing calls for closer cooperation between the media and security agencies to combat misinformation, build public confidence and ensure peaceful elections in 2027.