Indiscriminate filming of officers undermining security efforts, morale, IGP warns

Olatunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has urged members of the public and media practitioners to exercise greater responsibility in the recording and circulation of video content involving police officers.

He warned that misuse of such materials could weaken operational effectiveness, damage public perception of the Nigeria Police Force, and undermine ongoing security operations across the country.

Disu made the appeal on Friday during an interactive session with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) in Abuja, where he engaged journalists on issues surrounding policing, accountability, and media reporting of security operations.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to transparency, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights, the IGP stressed the need to balance public scrutiny with the operational realities faced by officers deployed in challenging and high-risk environments.

He noted that police personnel continue to make significant sacrifices in the discharge of their constitutional duties and deserve both public understanding and institutional 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,” he said.

The police chief expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of indiscriminate recording of officers during routine patrols and sensitive security operations, warning that such practices could negatively affect morale at a time when security personnel are confronting multiple threats nationwide.

According to him, officers often operate under extreme pressure and in life-threatening conditions to ensure public safety, adding that discouraging or obstructive conduct from members of the public could weaken their resolve.

“Police officers operate under extremely challenging conditions, often risking their lives to protect citizens. Public conduct and media coverage should not discourage those committed to doing the right thing,” he added.

Disu also raised alarm over the circulation of old or misleading videos on social media, which are often falsely presented as recent incidents.

He said 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,” he warned.

The IGP further disclosed that policing in Nigeria has become increasingly demanding, noting that officers now work extended hours under severe operational pressure, far beyond conventional shift structures.

“We no longer operate the traditional morning, afternoon, and night shifts. Officers work virtually around the clock under very difficult circumstances,” he said.

He revealed that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command alone recorded the loss of about 140 officers last year due to violent attacks, accidents, and other duty-related incidents, underscoring the risks associated with policing in the country.

Despite these challenges, he maintained that many officers continue to sacrifice sleep, comfort, and personal safety in order to maintain peace and order.

Reiterating the Force’s zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, the IGP assured Nigerians that officers found guilty of wrongdoing would continue to face disciplinary action in line with established laws and internal procedures.

“We are committed to ending impunity within the Force. At the same time, officers carrying out lawful duties must also be protected from harassment and deliberate misinformation,” he said.

He added that the Police Force would continue to strengthen engagement with the media as part of broader efforts to enhance transparency, improve public trust, and ensure effective communication on security matters.

Disu called for sustained collaboration between the police and the media in promoting accurate and responsible reporting.

Earlier, Festus Fifen, Chairman of CCAN, Mr. reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting national security efforts through ethical and factual journalism.

“We are no longer just reporting violence; we are part of a system working towards building a safer society,” Fifen said.

He also called for improved cooperation between security agencies and journalists, particularly in ensuring timely access to credible information during security incidents in order to curb misinformation and speculation.

Fifen assured the police leadership of continued collaboration with security agencies in promoting peace, stability, and national development.