Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has warned Nigerians against sharing manipulated police videos on social media. He said such content damages officers' morale and distorts how the public views law enforcement.
Disu made the plea at the Police Resource Centre in Abuja over the weekend. He was speaking to members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria.
According to him, recycled and misleading videos cause unnecessary panic in communities. Such posts also undermine national security efforts, he stressed.
"We urge the public and social media users to stop circulating old or manipulated videos," the IG told reporters. He noted these materials create misinformation and public tension.
Disu acknowledged that accountability remains critical to policing. But he insisted recordings must be done responsibly and never used to harass officers.
Police personnel work under extremely difficult conditions, he noted. Many risk their lives daily to protect citizens and maintain public safety.
"Officers no longer work conventional three-shift rotations," the IG explained. They work around the clock under severe operational pressures across Nigeria.
Last year alone, the FCT Police Command lost about 140 officers. These deaths resulted from violent attacks, accidents, and other duty-related incidents.
Disu said many officers sacrifice sleep and comfort for public safety. Despite these challenges, some civilians record them at checkpoints and post videos online.
He stressed that such actions discourage committed officers doing legitimate work. Security personnel face multiple threats nationwide while trying to serve communities.
"Public conduct and media coverage should not undermine operational effectiveness," the IG added. Officers deserve understanding and support from citizens, he insisted.
Disu reiterated the Force's zero-tolerance stance against police misconduct. Officers found guilty of wrongdoing will face disciplinary action, he assured Nigerians.
The Police Force remains committed to transparency and accountability. But this must be balanced with respect for officers' safety and operational success.
