Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cautioned Nigerians against the indiscriminate recording and circulation of videos involving police officers, warning that the growing trend could compromise security operations, spread misinformation and negatively affect personnel carrying out their duties.
The police chief issued the warning during an interactive session with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday, where he expressed concern over the increasing practice of filming officers during both routine and sensitive assignments and sharing such footage online without adequate context.
While reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to accountability and transparency, Disu stressed that public engagement with law enforcement officers must be carried out responsibly.
“Yes, accountability is important, and we remain committed to transparency. However, recordings and public engagements involving police officers must be done responsibly and should not be used to harass officers or undermine operational effectiveness,” he said.
According to the Inspector-General, police officers often operate under difficult and dangerous circumstances while safeguarding lives and property, making it necessary for the public and the media to avoid actions capable of discouraging dedicated personnel.
He noted that accountability should be balanced with the realities of policing and the welfare of officers serving across the country.
“Police officers operate under extremely challenging conditions, often risking their lives to protect citizens and maintain public safety. It is important that public conduct and media coverage do not discourage officers who are committed to doing the right thing,” he stated.
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Disu also voiced concern over the circulation of outdated, altered or misleading video clips presented as current incidents, warning that such content can create unnecessary panic and distort public perception of security situations.
“We urge members of the public and social media users to refrain from recycling old or manipulated videos capable of creating panic or undermining national security efforts. Such actions are harmful to the country’s image and stability,” he said.
The IGP observed that policing in Nigeria has become increasingly demanding, with officers frequently working long hours under intense operational pressure in different parts of the country.
Despite the challenges, he reiterated the Force’s determination to uphold professionalism and hold erring personnel accountable whenever misconduct is established.
According to him, disciplinary measures against officers who violate regulations will continue, but law-abiding personnel must also be protected from deliberate misinformation and harassment.
“We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to ending impunity within the Force, and we will continue to address complaints against personnel professionally and decisively. At the same time, officers carrying out lawful duties must also be protected from harassment and deliberate misinformation,” he added.
Disu further assured Nigerians that the police would continue strengthening collaboration with media organisations as part of efforts to improve transparency, public confidence and effective communication on security-related matters.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Festus Fifen, called for stronger cooperation between journalists and the police, emphasising the importance of timely access to accurate information during security emergencies in order to prevent speculation and the spread of false narratives.
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