The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cautioned members of the public against the indiscriminate recording and circulation of videos involving police officers, particularly those carrying out official duties.
He warned that the growing trend of creating and sharing police-related content without regard for context could damage the morale of officers, distort public perception and interfere with security operations across the country.
Disu gave the warning during an interactive meeting with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) in Abuja.
While reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to accountability, transparency, professionalism and respect for human rights, the IGP stressed that public oversight must be balanced with the realities of policing and the welfare of officers operating under difficult and often dangerous conditions.
He noted that police personnel make considerable sacrifices in the course of protecting lives and property and deserve understanding and support from the public.
“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.
The police chief expressed concern over the increasing practice of filming officers during both routine and sensitive assignments, warning that such actions could further weaken morale at a time when security challenges remain significant across the country.
“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Disu also condemned the circulation of outdated or misleading videos falsely portrayed as recent events, saying such content contributes to misinformation, fuels panic and creates unnecessary anxiety among members of the public.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Festus Fifen, reaffirmed the commitment of crime reporters to responsible journalism and efforts aimed at strengthening national security.
“We are no longer just reporting violence; we are part of a system working towards building a safer society,” he said.
Fifen called for stronger cooperation between the police and the media, especially in ensuring timely access to accurate information during security-related incidents in order to prevent speculation and the spread of false narratives.
He assured the police leadership that crime correspondents would continue to work as reliable partners in promoting peace, security and national development.