The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cautioned content creators, social media users, and members of the public against the indiscriminate recording and online circulation of police-related videos, warning that such actions could undermine security operations and demoralise officers.
Disu expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of recording police officers during routine and sensitive operations and posting such content online without proper context.
He spoke during an interactive session with Crime Correspondents in Abuja on Sunday, stressing that while accountability and transparency remain important, they must be exercised 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 him, the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to accountability, human rights, and transparency, but public scrutiny must be balanced with operational realities and the welfare of officers.
Disu noted that police personnel continue to make significant sacrifices in the line of duty and should not be subjected to actions capable of discouraging them.
“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 added.
The police chief also warned against the circulation of old or manipulated videos falsely presented as recent incidents, saying such content fuels 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,” he said.
Disu further noted that policing has become increasingly demanding, with officers working long hours under intense operational pressure across the country.
He reiterated the Force’s commitment to sanctioning misconduct within its ranks, assuring that officers found culpable would continue to face disciplinary action in line with established laws and professional standards.
“At the same time, officers carrying out lawful duties must also be protected from harassment and deliberate misinformation,” he stated.
He also assured Nigerians of continued engagement between the police and the media to strengthen trust, transparency, and effective communication on security issues.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Festus Fifen, called for closer collaboration between the media and the police, emphasizing the need for timely access to credible information to curb misinformation and speculation during security incidents.