By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has revealed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command lost about 140 officers last year through violent attacks, accidents, and other duty-related incidents.
Disu made the disclosure during an interactive session with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) in Abuja, where he also called for greater responsibility in the recording and circulation of police-related video content.
According to the police chief, officers are operating under increasingly demanding conditions as they confront multiple security challenges nationwide.
“We no longer operate the conventional policing structure of morning, afternoon, and night shifts. Officers work virtually around the clock under very difficult circumstances. Last year alone, the FCT Police Command lost about 140 officers through violent attacks, accidents, and other duty-related incidents,” he said.
The IGP noted that many personnel continue to sacrifice sleep, comfort, and, in some cases, their lives in the line of duty to ensure public safety and security.
Against this backdrop, Disu urged members of the public and media practitioners to exercise caution in the recording and dissemination of police-related videos, warning that indiscriminate use of such content could negatively affect officers’ morale and undermine ongoing security operations.
While reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to accountability, transparency, professionalism, and respect for human rights, he stressed the need to balance public scrutiny with operational realities.
“Yes, accountability is important, and we remain committed to transparency. However, recordings and public engagements involving police officers must be done responsibly and should not be used to harass officers or undermine operational effectiveness,” he stated.
The IGP expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of indiscriminate recording of officers during routine and sensitive assignments, noting that such actions could discourage personnel who are working under difficult and high-risk conditions.
“Police officers operate under extremely challenging conditions, often risking their lives to protect citizens and maintain public safety. It is important that public conduct and media coverage do not discourage officers who are committed to doing the right thing,” he added.
Disu also warned against the circulation of old and misleading videos falsely presented as recent incidents, saying the practice fuels misinformation, creates public panic, and generates unnecessary tension within communities.
“We urge members of the public and social media users to refrain from recycling old or manipulated videos capable of creating panic or undermining national security efforts. Such actions are harmful to the country’s image and stability,” he said.
Despite the challenges confronting the Force, the IGP reiterated the police leadership’s commitment to accountability and discipline, assuring Nigerians that officers found guilty of misconduct would continue to face appropriate sanctions.
“We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to ending impunity within the Force, and we will continue to address complaints against personnel professionally and decisively. At the same time, officers carrying out lawful duties must also be protected from harassment and deliberate misinformation,” he said.
The police chief further assured Nigerians of sustained engagement with the media as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, public trust, and effective communication on security matters.
Describing journalists as strategic partners in the fight against insecurity, Disu called for continued collaboration in promoting responsible and accurate security reporting.
Earlier, Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN), Festus Fifen, reaffirmed the commitment of crime correspondents to supporting national security efforts through responsible journalism and factual reporting.
“We are no longer just reporting violence; we are part of a system working towards building a safer society,” Fifen said.
He also called for improved collaboration between the police and the media, particularly in ensuring timely access to credible information during security incidents to prevent misinformation and speculation.
Fifen assured the police leadership that crime correspondents remain committed partners in promoting peace, security, and national development.
