The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has cautioned Nigerians against using recordings of police officers to harass personnel or compromise security operations, stressing that public engagements involving law enforcement officers must be conducted responsibly.
The police chief gave the warning during an interactive session with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) in Abuja, where he addressed issues relating to policing, accountability, public perception, and the growing influence of social media on law enforcement activities.
Disu acknowledged the role of citizens and the media in promoting transparency and accountability but stressed that such efforts must be balanced with the realities of policing and the need to protect ongoing operations.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency, accountability and respect for the rights of all citizens. We welcome constructive engagement and legitimate public scrutiny because they strengthen public trust in policing,” Disu said.
”However, recordings and public engagements involving police officers must be conducted responsibly. Such recordings should not be used as tools to harass officers, obstruct lawful duties, or undermine operational effectiveness.”
The Inspector-General expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of recording police officers during routine and sensitive assignments and posting the footage online without context or verification.
According to him, while technology has empowered citizens to document events around them, it has also created opportunities for misinformation and the distortion of facts.
”There is a difference between promoting accountability and creating narratives that unfairly portray officers or compromise legitimate security operations. We must be careful not to blur that line,” he stated.
”Many videos circulated online capture only fragments of incidents and often exclude the circumstances that led to police actions. When such content is shared without context, it can create misconceptions and damage public confidence.”
Disu noted that policing remains one of the most challenging public service responsibilities, with officers often operating under difficult and dangerous conditions.
”Every day, police officers are deployed to volatile environments, confront armed criminals, rescue victims, manage public disturbances and respond to emergencies. These duties are carried out under immense pressure and often at great personal risk.”
”Our officers make enormous sacrifices in the service of the nation. It is important that public conduct and media coverage do not discourage those who are committed to serving with integrity and professionalism,” he added.
The IGP also warned against the circulation of old, doctored or manipulated videos falsely presented as recent incidents, describing the practice as harmful to public order and national security.
”One of the major challenges we face today is the deliberate recycling of old videos and the manipulation of content to create false impressions. Such actions can generate unnecessary panic, heighten tensions and distract security agencies from their responsibilities.”
”We urge social media users and content creators to verify information before sharing it. The spread of false or misleading security-related content is not only irresponsible but can also have serious consequences for public safety,” he said.
Disu reiterated that the Force remains committed to addressing misconduct within its ranks and ensuring that officers who violate professional standards are held accountable.
“We have zero tolerance for misconduct, corruption, abuse of power or any act that tarnishes the image of the Force. Complaints against police personnel will continue to be investigated thoroughly and fairly.”
“Where officers are found culpable, disciplinary measures will be applied without hesitation. Accountability remains a cornerstone of our reform efforts and professional standards,” he said.
The police chief, however, stressed that officers carrying out lawful duties also deserve protection from intimidation, misinformation and unwarranted attacks.
”Just as citizens have rights that must be respected, police officers performing legitimate duties also deserve fairness, respect and protection from deliberate harassment and false accusations.”
”We must build a culture where accountability and support for law enforcement coexist. That is how we strengthen policing and improve public safety,” he added.
Disu further assured Nigerians that the Force would continue to deepen engagement with the media and other stakeholders as part of efforts to enhance transparency and public confidence.
“The media remains one of our most important partners in crime prevention and public enlightenment. Through regular engagement, we can ensure that citizens receive accurate information and are better informed about security issues affecting the country.”
”Our goal is to build a police force that is professional, people-centred and responsive to the needs of Nigerians. Achieving that objective requires collaboration, mutual respect and shared responsibility between the police, the media and the public,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Festus Fifen, called for stronger collaboration between the media and the Nigeria Police Force.
Fifen stressed the importance of timely access to credible information during security incidents, noting that proactive communication remains one of the most effective ways to counter misinformation and speculation.
”The media and the police share a common responsibility of keeping the public informed. Prompt access to accurate information helps prevent rumours, strengthens public confidence and contributes to national security,” he said.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments from both the police and crime correspondents to foster a stronger working relationship aimed at promoting public safety, transparency and responsible information dissemination.
