A police officer identified as Isokpehi has apologised to Nigerians over a viral video in which he threatened to shoot anyone who filmed him while on duty, saying his outburst was made out of frustration after years of sacrifice in active service.
Speaking in a follow-up video, the officer, who said he is from Edo State and was raised in military barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a committed officer who had dedicated his life to serving the country.
According to him, he had spent 12 years in the Mobile Police unit and had worked tirelessly for Nigeria.
“Anywhere people ask about me, people will testify to my character. I have worked in the Mobile Police for 12 years. I have worked for my fatherland with all my heart,” he said.
The officer also displayed several gunshot wounds on his body, explaining that he had survived deadly operations during his years in service.
“Look at my body, these are all bullets. These are all gunshot wounds. See my chest, bullet has eaten into it. Out of 17 of us, only two survived that operation,” he stated.
He said the emotional and physical toll of policing contributed to his reaction in the earlier video.
“We have suffered in this work. So it was out of annoyance. We don’t even like complaining,” he added.
Addressing the controversial threat captured in the original clip, Isokpehi insisted he had no intention of harming civilians.
“How can I be saying I will kill my own people? We don’t do that. I spoke out of annoyance. That one was just verbal talk,” he said.
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The officer also appealed directly to social media personality Harrison Gwamnishu, asking for forgiveness after the video spread widely online.
“Harrison, forgive me. I beg the whole of Nigeria, please forgive me. This one has reached too far. If you want to know me, come and meet me one-on-one. You will know me personally. I will not run. I will not surrender,” he said.
He concluded with a message expressing hope for better welfare and improved working conditions for police personnel under the current Inspector General of Police.
“We have decided that we will die for our fatherland. One day, things will surely get better by the grace of God. One love to the world,” he said.
The officer’s initial video had gone viral on Wednesday after it was circulated on social media platforms, including X and Instagram, where he was heard threatening to “clear everybody down,” including bystanders around anyone recording him.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.