The Nigeria Police Force has moved to clear the air over a growing debate about citizens filming police officers.
The Force said Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu does not oppose Nigerians recording officers during official duties.
However, his concern is how such recordings are used after they are made.
Force New Media Officer Aliyu Giwa gave the clarification in posts on X following reactions to Disu’s recent comments.
Giwa said the police were not seeking to stop accountability or take away citizens’ rights.
“The IG’s concern is not to shield Police officers from accountability or deny citizens their rights. Instead, it focuses on the misuse of recordings, especially when officers are provoked, ridiculed, filmed for entertainment, or subjected to unnecessary intrusion while performing their duties,” Giwa said.
He explained that there is a difference between documenting police conduct and using encounters for social media entertainment.
According to him, proper recording can also help police officers defend themselves against false claims.
“As a public institution, the Police must remain open to legitimate scrutiny. Evidence is essential when an officer acts improperly. Similarly, responsible recording can protect officers from false allegations and support investigations,” he said.
Giwa also stressed that police officers retain their basic rights despite wearing uniforms.
“However, wearing the uniform does not remove an officer’s right to dignity or privacy,” Giwa said.
His comments followed criticism from an X user who suggested that officers should use body cameras.
Giwa maintained that Disu had not rejected legitimate recording by citizens.
“While you are allowed to interpret it as you see fit, the message from the IG was concerning the misuse of recordings, not a general rejection of legitimate documentation or accountability,” Giwa said.
He also confirmed that body cameras are being considered as part of efforts to improve accountable policing.
