The Amnesty International has condemned what it described as an unlawful and alarming threat by a Nigerian police officer seen in a viral video, in which the officer allegedly warned that he would “wipe out an entire bus” of passengers if anyone attempted to film police activities.
The organisation said the statement represents an extreme abuse of power and a direct threat to human life, warning that such conduct undermines the rule of law and promotes a climate of intimidation against citizens.
In its reaction, Amnesty International called on the Nigeria Police Force to urgently identify and investigate the officer involved for alleged incitement to violence and misconduct.
It argued that law enforcement agencies cannot operate in secrecy or rely on threats to prevent public scrutiny of their actions, stressing that accountability is essential in a democratic society.
The human rights body further stated that the use of verbal intimidation to discourage citizens from recording police activities reflects a broader pattern of impunity and weak oversight within security institutions.
According to the organisation, police officers performing official duties in public spaces have no expectation of privacy regarding their conduct, adding that citizens’ act of recording public officers is a legitimate form of accountability rather than an offence.
Amnesty International urged authorities to ensure that any officer found culpable is held accountable in line with the law, reiterating that respect for human rights and transparency must remain central to policing in Nigeria.
