By Maryam Shuaibu
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has warned against the misuse of police-related video content, saying misleading recordings and recycled clips could damage officers’ morale, distort public perception and affect ongoing security operations.
Mr Disu spoke during an interaction with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) at the Police Resource Centre in Abuja over the weekend.
Read Also:Police debunk arrest of Boko Haram suspects in Kwara
His remarks come amid growing incidents of civilians recording police activities at checkpoints and other public places before sharing the footage on social media.
While reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to accountability and transparency, the IGP said recordings involving police officers should be carried out responsibly and not used to harass personnel performing lawful duties.
“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.
Mr Disu expressed concern over what he described as the indiscriminate recording of officers during routine and sensitive operations, warning that such actions could discourage personnel working under difficult conditions.
“Police officers operate under extremely challenging conditions, often risking their lives to protect citizens and maintain public safety,” he said.
“It is important that public conduct and media coverage do not discourage officers who are committed to doing the right thing.”
Concern over recycled videos
The police chief also cautioned against the circulation of old or manipulated videos falsely presented as recent incidents.
Read Also:Mwadkwon Backs State Police, APC Unity Ahead of 2027
According to him, such content fuels misinformation, creates unnecessary panic and undermines public confidence in security institutions.
“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,” he said.
“Such actions are harmful to the country’s image and stability.”
Officers working under pressure
Mr Disu said policing in Nigeria has become increasingly demanding, with many officers working extended hours under severe operational pressure.
He noted that security personnel often work beyond conventional shift schedules while responding to security threats and maintaining public safety.
“We no longer operate the conventional policing structure of morning, afternoon and night shifts. Officers work virtually around the clock under very difficult circumstances,” he said.
The IGP disclosed that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command lost about 140 officers last year through violent attacks, accidents and other duty-related incidents.
He added that many officers continue to sacrifice sleep, comfort and, in some cases, their lives in the line of duty.
Commitment to accountability
Despite the challenges, Mr Disu reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct and impunity.
Read Also: Protest: How Police traumatise, grill Trust TV journalist
“We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to ending impunity within the Force, and we will continue to address complaints against personnel professionally and decisively,” he said.
“At the same time, officers carrying out lawful duties must also be protected from harassment and deliberate misinformation.”
The police chief also pledged continued engagement with the media to strengthen transparency, public trust and communication on security matters.
He described journalists as important partners in the fight against insecurity and called for responsible and accurate reporting.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Festus Fifen, reaffirmed the commitment of crime reporters to supporting national security efforts through factual and responsible journalism.
Mr Fifen called for improved collaboration between the police and the media, particularly in ensuring timely access to credible information during security incidents to reduce misinformation and speculation.
“We are no longer just reporting violence; we are part of a system working towards building a safer society,” he said.