By: Ganiyu Olayinka
Photo: Nigeria Police Force
Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cautioned content creators and the public against recording and sharing police operational footage without proper context, warning that the practice risks compromising security efforts and eroding officer morale.
Disu raised the concern at an interactive session with Crime Correspondents in Abuja on Sunday, describing the trend as a growing challenge for the Force.
“Yes, accountability is important, and we remain committed to transparency,” he said. “However, recordings and public engagements involving police officers must be done responsibly and should not be used to harass officers or undermine operational effectiveness.”
While affirming the Force’s commitment to accountability and human rights, the IGP argued that public scrutiny must be weighed against operational realities and the welfare of personnel. Officers, he said, work under severe pressure and should not face conduct that discourages them from doing their jobs.
“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Disu also took aim at the circulation of outdated or doctored footage falsely presented as current, warning that such content feeds misinformation and public anxiety. “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.”
The IGP did not shy away from the issue of misconduct, however, reaffirming that officers found culpable of wrongdoing would continue to face disciplinary action. “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 pledged sustained engagement between the police and the media to strengthen public trust and improve communication on security matters.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Festus Fifen, called for closer collaboration between journalists and police, urging timely access to credible information during security incidents to curb speculation and rumour.
Tags: #Inspector General of Police #Festus Fifen