By Nkechi Eze
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has called for the responsible recording and circulation of police-related video content, warning that the misuse of such materials could undermine officers’ morale, distort public perception, and adversely affect ongoing security operations across the country.
Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, the IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to accountability, transparency, professionalism, and respect for human rights, while stressing the need to balance public scrutiny with operational realities and the welfare of officers serving under difficult and high-risk conditions.
IGP Disu noted that police personnel continue to make significant sacrifices daily in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities and deserve public understanding and support.
“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 stated.
The police chief expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of indiscriminate recording of officers during routine and sensitive operations, warning that such actions could negatively impact morale at a time when security personnel are confronting multiple security challenges nationwide.
According to him, police officers operate under extremely demanding 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 said.
The IGP also cautioned against the circulation of old and misleading videos falsely presented as recent incidents, noting that such content fuels misinformation, creates unnecessary panic, and heightens 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 added.
Highlighting the increasing demands of modern policing, IGP Disu disclosed that officers now work extended hours under severe operational pressure.
“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.
He stressed that many officers continue to sacrifice sleep, comfort, and even their lives to ensure citizens live and work in peace and safety.
Reiterating the Force’s zero-tolerance stance against impunity, the IGP assured Nigerians that officers found guilty of misconduct would continue to face disciplinary action in accordance 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.
Describing journalists as strategic partners in the fight against insecurity, he urged continued collaboration in promoting responsible and accurate security reporting.
Earlier, Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Mr. 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 deeper collaboration between the police and the media, particularly in ensuring timely access to credible information during security incidents to curb misinformation and speculation.
Fifen assured the police leadership that crime correspondents would remain committed partners in promoting peace, security, and national development.
