ABUJA — The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a formal caution to the public regarding the indiscriminate recording and circulation of police activities on social media. Speaking during an interactive session with the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) over the weekend, the IGP emphasized that the trend of sharing old or manipulated footage is negatively impacting national security and officer morale.

Accountability vs. Harassment

The IGP acknowledged the importance of transparency and accountability in modern policing, affirming the Force's commitment to professional standards. However, he warned that public engagements involving police officers must be conducted responsibly.

"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," IGP Disu stated.

He expressed concern that the indiscriminate recording of officers during routine or sensitive operations can serve to discourage personnel who are working under extremely demanding conditions to maintain public safety.

Addressing the Circulation of Misinformation

A key focus of the IGP’s appeal was the growing trend of recycling outdated or edited videos. He noted that such content is often falsely presented as recent, leading to:

      •  Public Panic: Creating unnecessary tension and fear within communities.

      •  National Security Risks: Undermining trust in security institutions and disrupting active operations.

      •  Harm to National Image: Distorting the perception of the Force’s efforts at home and abroad.

Demanding Policing Environment

The police chief highlighted the severe operational pressures currently facing the Force. He revealed that policing in Nigeria has moved beyond conventional shift patterns, with officers frequently working around the clock under high-stress conditions. To illustrate the risks involved, he pointed to the significant sacrifices made by personnel, noting that the FCT Police Command alone lost approximately 140 officers last year to violent attacks and duty-related incidents.

Commitment to Professionalism

Reiterating a policy of zero tolerance for impunity, the IGP assured Nigerians that the Force would continue to handle complaints of misconduct professionally and decisively. He balanced this by stating that officers performing lawful duties deserve protection from harassment and the spread of deliberate misinformation.

Moving forward, the IGP called for a strengthened partnership with the media, describing journalists as strategic allies in promoting accurate security reporting and building public trust.