CITIZENS COMPASS— The Nigeria Police Force on Saturday, clarified a trending report that Nigerians have not been prohibited from filming officers on their duty posts.
The Force New Media Officer, Aliyu Giwa, made the clarification in a series of posts on X following reactions to recent comments by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, concerning the filming of police officers.
“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.
“However, wearing the uniform does not remove an officer’s right to dignity or privacy,” he said.
His comments followed a social media exchange in which an X user questioned the IGP’s position and suggested that police officers should instead be provided with body cameras.
Giwa said Disu had not issued any blanket restriction on recording police officers.
“While you are allowed to interpret it as you see fit, the message from the IGP was concerning the misuse of recordings, not a general rejection of legitimate documentation or accountability,” he stated.
“Body cameras are, in fact, part of the broader conversation about modern, accountable policing, and they can protect both citizens and officers.
Police, Citizens Urged To Strike Balance
“The police need to be accountable and citizens should exercise their rights in a responsible way, we can have that discussion without using insults. The end aim is the same, a more professional Police Force and a safer Nigeria,” he added.
He also rejected attempts to portray the disagreement as a dispute between Disu and the Nigerian Bar Association, saying the focus should instead be on balancing competing interests.
“Instead, it should focus on balancing accountability with responsibility, transparency with privacy, and citizens’ rights with the professional discharge of Police duties.
“We are not saying they cannot exercise their rights of recording officers in public places while doing their jobs.
“But they should put restraints and not turn our police officers into content for their skits or anything.
“The engagement between the IGP and NBA leadership demonstrates that strong institutions can engage constructively, clarify positions, and collaborate despite differing perspectives.
“In the digital age, the solution is not to fear the camera. Instead, we should use technology responsibly, uphold professionalism, and let truth, rather than social media narratives, define the conversation.
“The camera should not weaken the institution. Also, institutions should not fear legitimate scrutiny. Both must ultimately serve the truth, justice, and the Nigerian people.”
