The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu did not ban citizens from recording officers, but raised concerns about the misuse of such recordings for ridicule or entertainment.
Force New Media Officer Aliyu Giwa explained in a series of posts on X that Disu’s comments had been misinterpreted.
He stressed that the IGP supports legitimate documentation but opposes recordings that demean officers or exploit encounters for social media skits.
“The IGP’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 noted that responsible recordings can serve both citizens and officers by providing evidence of misconduct or protecting officers against false allegations.
However, he emphasized that police officers are still entitled to dignity and privacy.Giwa added that body cameras are being considered as part of broader reforms to ensure accountable policing.
The clarification followed criticism of Disu’s earlier remarks, where he described the filming of officers for skits as “very demoralising.” While acknowledging citizens’ right to record officers in public, Disu urged restraint to prevent turning officers into “content.”
The issue has sparked debate among lawyers, human rights groups, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which insists that citizens have a constitutional right to document police activities.
A Federal High Court ruling in Warri earlier this year also affirmed that right.Giwa concluded that the conversation should focus on balancing accountability with responsibility, transparency with privacy, and professionalism with citizens’ rights.
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