By
Gloria Josiah
The Nigeria Police Force has addressed recent concerns over comments by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on citizens filming officers on duty.
According to Force New Media Officer, Aliyu Giwa, the IGP does not oppose Nigerians recording police officers in public. Giwa made the clarification in a series of posts on X on Saturday, after Disuโs remarks at a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association in Abuja sparked public debate.
Giwa explained that the IGPโs worry was not about public oversight, but about how some recordings are misused. He said the issue arises when interactions with officers are deliberately staged for social media skits and entertainment, which he described as demoralizing.
The Force stated that recording police activities can actually serve a positive purpose. It helps ensure accountability, provides evidence when misconduct occurs, and also protects officers from false claims.
Giwa affirmed that Nigerians have the legal right to document police operations in public spaces. However, he urged citizens to do so responsibly, without provocation, ridicule, or unnecessary invasion of officersโ privacy.
The spokesperson added that the Force is considering the deployment of body-worn cameras. He noted that such devices would create an objective record of encounters, benefiting both civilians and police by improving transparency.
He also referenced a March 17 ruling by the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, which upheld the right of Nigerians to record police officers while they carry out their duties in public.
Giwa said the dialogue between the police and the NBA shows that differences can be resolved through constructive engagement. He called on Nigerians to avoid framing the issue as police versus public, and instead focus on striking a balance between accountability, privacy, and professional policing.
The Force concluded that technology should be used to strengthen trust and accountability, and that both citizens and law enforcement share the duty of promoting professionalism, justice, and a safer country.
