The men and officers of the Rivers State Police Command have been informed that it is legal for civilians to record them while they perform their official duties.

Along with the advice to be professional, it also said that police officers should not restrain civilians while performing their duties.

Using a photo of the state's commissioner of police, Tunji Disu, the Rivers Police announced this on its X account on Wednesday.

It wrote. “To The Officers and Men of Rivers State Police Command please note that Civilians have every right to record you on video. Don’t be camera shy, smile while they’re recording you but be professional while discharging your duty.”

Social media users in Nigeria have responded to this in different ways. Some have praised the CP for reorienting the police officers, while others have urged the leadership to meet with them.

Nigerians, particularly youths, continue to endure abuse and intimidation at the hands of security personnel, particularly the police.

2020 saw youth-led protests across the nation against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a now-disbanded police unit, for using excessive force against defenseless civilians.