IG didn’t ban recording police, only opposes misuse for skits — Media officer

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu is not against citizens recording police officers, but is concerned about the misuse of such recordings. Force New Media Officer Aliyu Giwa made this clarification in a series of posts on X following controversy over the IGP's recent comments on Nigerians filming police officers.

Giwa emphasized that the IGP's concern was with the misuse of recordings, particularly when officers are provoked, ridiculed, filmed for entertainment, or subjected to unnecessary intrusion while on duty. He stressed the distinction between responsible documentation and deliberate exploitation of Police encounters for social media content.

Giwa maintained that police officers have a right to dignity and privacy, but that wearing a uniform does not remove this right. He also mentioned that body cameras are being considered as part of discussions around accountable policing. Giwa urged Nigerians to discuss the issue without resorting to insults, stating that both the police and citizens shared the same goal: a more professional Police Force and a safer Nigeria.