A man identifying himself as a Nigerian police officer has triggered widespread outrage after threatening to shoot civilians, including passengers in a commercial bus, if anyone attempts to record him while he is on duty.
In a viral video circulating online, the yet-to-be-identified officer, dressed in plain clothes and speaking in Pidgin English, warned Nigerians against filming police personnel during operations, insisting that anyone caught recording him could face deadly consequences.
The officer expressed anger over what he described as poor welfare conditions within the Nigeria Police Force and criticised directives encouraging citizens to document police activities.
“Any day I am on duty as an officer, I am putting my life on the line while working. If someone is recording me, tell the superior who ordered you to film us that he will be the one to arrange your burial,” he said in the video.
He further questioned why members of the public often record police officers but rarely film soldiers or operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to him, he had spent 26 years in service and suffered several gunshot injuries while carrying out police duties.
“Look at my body now, it is full of bullet wounds. These are gunshot injuries,” he said while pointing to parts of his body.
The situation escalated when the officer threatened to shoot everyone inside a commercial bus if he noticed anyone filming him.
“If anyone has the courage, just bring your camera and make the mistake of recording me,” he said.
“I will wipe everybody out, the entire bus. I swear to God, if I do not do it, may I die.”
The comments have generated heavy criticism on social media, with many Nigerians calling on the Nigeria Police Force to identify the officer and take disciplinary action against him.
The controversy comes amid continued public concerns over police brutality, abuse of power, and the use of excessive force by security operatives across Nigeria.
Human rights advocates have repeatedly maintained that citizens are legally allowed to record public officials, including police officers, while carrying out official duties in public spaces, especially where such recordings may help document misconduct or promote accountability.