The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has expressed concern over the growing trend of recording and sharing police-related videos on social media without context, warning that such practices could undermine security operations and negatively affect officers carrying out their duties.
Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday, the police chief said while accountability and transparency remain central to policing, public engagement with law enforcement activities must be conducted responsibly.
Disu noted that videos captured during routine patrols or sensitive operations are increasingly being circulated online in ways that may distort facts, create misconceptions and interfere with ongoing security efforts.
According to him, police officers often operate under difficult and dangerous conditions, making it important for the public and media practitioners to avoid actions capable of discouraging personnel committed to protecting lives and property.
“Police officers operate under extremely challenging conditions, often risking their lives to protect citizens and maintain public safety,” he said.
The IGP stressed that accountability should not come at the expense of operational effectiveness, adding that officers performing lawful duties deserve protection from harassment, misinformation and unfair public attacks.
He also raised concerns over the circulation of outdated or manipulated videos falsely presented as current incidents, warning that such content contributes to misinformation, fuels public anxiety and may undermine confidence in security institutions.
“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,” Disu stated.
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The police boss reiterated the Force’s commitment to professionalism and discipline, assuring Nigerians that complaints against officers would continue to be investigated and that personnel found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate sanctions.
He said the Nigeria Police Force has consistently demonstrated its willingness to address wrongdoing within its ranks and remains committed to improving public trust through transparency and accountability.
Disu further pledged sustained collaboration between the police and the media, describing accurate and timely communication as essential to combating misinformation and strengthening public confidence in security agencies.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Festus Fifen, called for stronger cooperation between journalists and the police.
Fifen emphasised the need for improved access to credible and timely information during security incidents, arguing that effective communication would help curb speculation and the spread of false narratives.
The engagement formed part of ongoing efforts by the police leadership to deepen relations with the media and promote responsible reporting on security-related matters across the country.