The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has cautioned against the growing trend of indiscriminate recording and circulation of videos of police officers on routine and sensitive duties.
A statement by the Chairman, Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN), Festus Fifen on Sunday in Abuja said the IG gave the warning during an interactive session with members of the association.
Mr Disu warned that the misuse of such video materials could undermine officers’ morale, distort public perception, and negatively affect ongoing security operations across the country.
“While reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to accountability, transparency, professionalism, and respect for human rights, it is important to balance public scrutiny.
“Public scrutiny must be balanced with operational realities and the welfare of officers working under difficult and high-risk conditions.
“Police personnel who have continued to make enormous sacrifices daily in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities deserve public understanding and support,” he said.
Noting that accountability was important, Mr Disu said the force remains committed to it, adding that recordings and public engagements involving police officers must be done responsibly.
The IG said such recordings should not be used to harass officers or undermine their operational effectiveness.
“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 said.
The IG also expressed concern over the circulation of old and misleading videos, presenting them as recent incidents.
He said such videos could contribute to misinformation, create public panic, and unnecessary tension within communities.
“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. Such actions are harmful to the country’s image and stability,” he said.
He said policing in Nigeria had become increasingly demanding, with officers now working extended hours under severe operational pressures.
Mr Disu said the Nigeria Police Force no longer operates the conventional policing structure of morning, afternoon, and night shifts, adding that officers work virtually round the clock under difficult circumstances.
He said the police command in the FCT lost about 140 officers in one year through violent attacks, accidents, and other duty-related incidents.
The IG said many officers continued to sacrifice sleep, comfort, and even their lives to ensure citizens live and work peacefully.
Mr Disu also pledged to sustain the force’s zero-tolerance stance against impunity.
He assured Nigerians that officers found guilty of misconduct would continue to face disciplinary measures in line 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 said.
The IG pledged to sustain the engagement between the police and the media to strengthen transparency, public trust, and effective communication on security matters.
(NAN)
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