Nigerians have right to record Police officers — NPF

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has declared that members of the public possess the legitimate right to record police officers on duty.

The declaration came from Force Headquarters on Thursday in a statement by by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid following public outrage over a viral video showing an officer threatening citizens for filming a police operation.

The viral video, which surfaced recently on social media, featured ASP Newton Isokpehi making threatening remarks against members of the public who were recording police activities.

Reacting swiftly to the development, the NPF condemned the officer’s conduct, labeling it as unacceptable and unprofessional.

The command also noted that the action is inconsistent with the ethics and code of conduct of the Force.

The command noted that ASP Isokpehi has since been identified and summoned to the Anambra State Command Headquarters where formal disciplinary procedures have already commenced.

The NPF promised to release a formal statement detailing the outcome of the disciplinary actions in due course.

While validating the public’s right to record, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, clarified the boundaries governing citizen recordings.

According to the police chief, Nigerians are fully within their rights to lawfully record officers carrying out their duties, provided the recording does not obstruct active police operations, compromise the safety of officers or the public and interfere with lawful police activities.

The police leadership stressed that it will not tolerate threats, intimidation, or abuse of office capable of undermining public trust.

“The Force further reiterates that recording police activities remains a legitimate tool for public accountability and transparency and should not, in itself, attract harassment or intimidation from police personnel while discharging their duties,” the statement read.

Expressing appreciation to the public, the NPF commended citizens for their continued partnership and constructive engagement, which remain crucial to promoting improved policing standards across Nigeria.