The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has cautioned Nigerians, particularly content creators and social media users, against the indiscriminate recording and dissemination of police-related videos, warning that such actions could compromise security operations and negatively impact officers' morale.
Speaking during an interactive session with crime correspondents in Abuja, the IGP expressed concern over the increasing trend of recording police personnel during routine and sensitive operations and sharing the footage online without adequate context.
While reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to accountability, transparency and respect for human rights, Disu stressed the need for responsible public engagement with law enforcement activities.
"Accountability is important, and we remain committed to transparency. However, recordings and public engagements involving police officers must be conducted responsibly and should not be used to harass officers or undermine operational effectiveness," he said.
The police chief noted that public scrutiny of law enforcement activities must be balanced with operational realities and the welfare of officers who often work under challenging conditions to safeguard lives and property.
According to him, police personnel routinely make significant sacrifices in the line of duty and should not be subjected to actions that could discourage them from carrying out their responsibilities effectively.
"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," Disu stated.
The IGP also warned against the circulation of old, misleading or manipulated videos falsely portrayed as recent incidents, saying such content could fuel misinformation, create unnecessary public anxiety and undermine national security efforts.
"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.
Acknowledging the growing demands of policing across the country, Disu noted that officers often work long hours under difficult operational conditions while responding to evolving security challenges.
He reiterated the Force's commitment to addressing misconduct within its ranks, assuring Nigerians that officers found guilty of wrongdoing would continue to face disciplinary action in accordance with established laws and professional standards.
"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.
The IGP further pledged continued collaboration between the police and the media to strengthen public trust, improve transparency and enhance communication on security-related matters.
Earlier, Festus Fifen called for stronger cooperation between journalists and the police, emphasizing the importance of timely access to credible information during security incidents to curb misinformation and speculation.
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