The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has cautioned against the misuse of police-related video content, saying such materials could undermine officers’ morale and distort public perception.
The police chief made the appeal while speaking at the Police Resource Centre, Abuja, during the weekend while interacting with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN).
Disu said recordings and public engagements involving police officers must be done responsibly and should not be used to harass officers.
According to him, police personnel continue to make enormous sacrifices daily in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities and deserve public understanding and support.
“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,” IG said
He cautioned against the growing trend of indiscriminate recording of officers during routine and sensitive activities, 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
The IGP also expressed concerns 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 police boss disclosed that policing in Nigeria has become increasingly demanding, with officers now working extended hours under severe operational pressures.
“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