Stop Using Videos to Harass Our Officers — IGP Disu Tells Nigerians

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu

Stop Using Videos to Harass Our Officers — IGP Disu Tells Nigerians

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned Nigerians against indiscriminately recording and circulating videos of police officers carrying out lawful duties, saying such actions could undermine security operations and affect officers’ morale.

Disu said while the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to accountability and transparency, members of the public must ensure that recordings and social media engagements involving police personnel are done responsibly. He specifically cautioned against filming officers on duty for content creation purposes, describing the trend as concerning and potentially harmful to operational effectiveness.

The IGP also expressed concern about the circulation of old, misleading videos falsely presented as recent incidents, warning that such content fuels misinformation, creates panic, and undermines national security efforts. He stressed that the Force remains committed to accountability and transparency when it comes to policing, but these principles must be balanced with operational realities.

Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) held at the Police Resource Centre in Abuja over the weekend, Disu addressed the growing trend of civilians recording police officers’ activities at checkpoints and other areas of responsibility and posting the footage on social media. “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,” the IGP stated.

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He cautioned against the growing trend of indiscriminate recording of officers during routine and sensitive activities, including while they are eating, noting that such actions could negatively impact morale at a time when security personnel are confronting multiple security challenges nationwide. “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.

Disu disclosed that policing in Nigeria has become increasingly demanding, with officers now working extended hours under severe operational pressures. He revealed that the conventional shift structure has been replaced by round-the-clock duties. “We no longer operate the conventional policing structure of morning, afternoon, and night shifts. Officers work virtually around the clock under very difficult circumstances. Last year alone, the FCT Police Command lost about 140 officers through violent attacks, accidents, and other duty-related incidents,” he revealed. The IGP noted that many officers continue to sacrifice sleep, comfort, and even their lives to ensure citizens live and work peacefully. “If you calculate the number of police officers who die annually across Nigeria while protecting citizens, you will understand the sacrifices they make to keep the country safe,” he said.

Disu reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance stance against impunity, assuring 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 IGP further assured Nigerians of sustained engagement between the police and the media as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, public trust, and effective communication on security matters. He described journalists as strategic partners in the fight against insecurity and urged continued collaboration in promoting responsible and accurate security reporting.

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Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN), Festus Fifen, reaffirmed the commitment of crime correspondents to supporting national security efforts through responsible journalism and factual reporting. “We are no longer just reporting violence; we are part of a system working towards building a safer society,” Fifen said. He called for improved collaboration between the police and the media, particularly in the area of timely access to credible information during security incidents to prevent misinformation and speculation. He assured the police leadership that crime correspondents remain committed partners in promoting peace, security, and national development.

The IGP also expressed concern over the circulation of old and misleading videos falsely presented as recent incidents, stressing that such content contributes to misinformation, 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 efforts. Such actions are harmful to the country’s image and stability,” he said. The IG’s appeal comes amid frequent recordings of police officers’ activities at checkpoints and other areas of responsibility by some civilians who then post the footage on social media. According to him, police personnel continue to make enormous sacrifices daily in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities and deserve public understanding and support.

As of the time of this report, the Nigeria Police Force continues to balance its commitment to transparency with the need to protect officers from harassment and misinformation. The IGP has assured Nigerians that legitimate complaints against officers will continue to be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly, while urging the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies in efforts to combat crime and improve community safety.