Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cautioned social media users, content creators, and members of the public against the indiscriminate filming and online circulation of police operations, warning that such practices could compromise security efforts and affect officers’ morale.
The police chief raised the concern over what he described as a rising trend of recording officers during routine and sensitive assignments and sharing such footage online without adequate context.
He spoke on Sunday in Abuja during an interactive session with crime correspondents, stressing that while accountability and transparency remain important, they must be balanced with responsible public conduct.
Disu noted that recordings involving police officers should not be used to harass personnel or disrupt operational efficiency, adding that the Force remains committed to respecting human rights and maintaining openness.
According to him, officers continue to operate under difficult and often dangerous conditions, and should not be discouraged by actions that undermine their commitment to duty.
He said, “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 IG further warned against the spread of old or edited videos being presented as recent incidents, noting that such misinformation could trigger panic and distort public perception of security situations.
He urged Nigerians to avoid recycling misleading content online, saying it could harm national stability and the country’s image.
“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.
Disu also emphasised that policing in Nigeria has become increasingly demanding, with officers working long hours under significant pressure across various parts of the country.
While reaffirming the Force’s commitment to sanctioning erring officers, he assured that disciplinary action would continue to be taken against personnel found guilty of misconduct.
At the same time, he stressed the need to protect officers who are legitimately carrying out their duties from harassment and misinformation.
The police chief also called for stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the media to enhance public trust, improve communication, and reduce misinformation during security incidents.