Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has called on Nigerians and media practitioners to exercise responsibility in the recording and circulation of police related video content, warning that misuse of such materials could undermine officers’ morale, distort public perception, and hamper security operations.
The IGP made the call during an interactive session with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, CCAN, at the Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to accountability, transparency, professionalism, and respect for human rights, while stressing the need to balance public scrutiny with the realities of policing and the welfare of officers working under challenging conditions.
Disu expressed concern over the growing trend of indiscriminate recording of police officers during routine and sensitive operations, noting that such actions could negatively affect morale at a time when security personnel are confronting multiple security challenges across the country.
He also cautioned against the circulation of old or misleading videos presented as recent incidents, saying the practice fuels misinformation, creates unnecessary panic, and undermines national security efforts.
According to him, police officers continue to make significant sacrifices in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities and deserve public understanding and support.
The Inspector General further highlighted the increasing demands of modern policing, noting that officers now work extended hours under severe operational pressure to safeguard lives and property.
Earlier, Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Festus Fifen, reaffirmed the commitment of crime correspondents to supporting national security efforts through responsible journalism and factual reporting.
Fifen called for stronger collaboration between the police and the media, particularly in ensuring timely access to credible information during security incidents to prevent misinformation and speculation.
He assured the police leadership of the association’s continued support in promoting peace, security, and national development through professional reportage.
