The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Olohundare Jimoh, has appealed to Nigerians to stop spreading deliberate falsehood and misinformation against the police because it erodes public trust and further worsens insecurity.
He made the appeal when a non-profit organisation, Peace, Progress and Unity Global Initiative (PPUGI), visited his office to appreciate the police for their selfless service to humanity.
Commending the group, AIJ Jimoh noted that it was the first time an organisation was publicly identifying with the police and taking initiatives to make the people see the many good sides of police operatives, adding that the visit was a morale booster to continue to uphold service, integrity and professionalism.
The AIG cautioned against ‘social media bandits’, alleging that some individuals spread falsehoods to incite public distrust against the police for personal gain.
He said constructive criticism was welcome, but deliberate misinformation aimed at causing disaffection between the police and the public would not be tolerated.
Jimoh praised the NGO’s advocacy for police officers’ mental health, saying officers must remain physically and mentally fit to protect lives and property.
‘A dead man cannot be a police officer. Officers must take care of their health and mental well-being because protecting others starts with protecting themselves,’ he said.
He noted that policing was demanding, often requiring officers to sacrifice time with their families, and commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for ongoing reforms in police welfare, healthcare and service delivery.
Jimoh dedicated the recognition to all officers and men of the force, assuring the delegation that the command would brief the IGP on the visit and continue strengthening collaboration with stakeholders.
Earlier, PPUGI’s global president, Prevail Ahmed, commended Jimoh’s leadership, recalling his tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos when he remained actively involved in operations rather than relying solely on subordinates’ reports.
She said the organisation planned to establish Community Peace Clubs across Lagos streets to encourage residents to report suspicious activities, as part of efforts to strengthen community policing.
Ahmed also disclosed that PPUGI would hold a national walk in Lagos on August 15 to raise awareness on men’s mental health and promote peaceful coexistence, urging Nigerians to prioritise genuine human relationships over online narratives.
She reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting the police through advocacy and public enlightenment initiatives.