A police officer, Newton Isokpehi, has apologised to Nigerians after a viral video showed him threatening to shoot anyone caught recording him while on duty.
The officer, whose comments sparked outrage on social media and calls for disciplinary action, said his earlier remarks were made out of frustration and not a genuine intention to harm civilians.
In a video shared on his TikTok page on Thursday, Isokpehi appealed to Nigerians and human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, for forgiveness over the controversial statement.
“Please forgive me. If I offended you as a brother, forgive me. That statement was just out of annoyance because of the things that are happening. These things are painful,” he said.
Speaking partly in Pidgin English, the officer clarified that members of the public have the right to record police officers, but complained about what he described as excessive filming of officers during operations.
“Actually, you can video us. You are allowed to video a policeman. But it’s not right for just anybody to come from anywhere and start videoing officers on duty. They have taken it too far,” he stated.
Isokpehi, who said he hails from Edo State and grew up in a police barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a dedicated officer who had spent years serving the country.
“Anywhere people ask about me, people will testify to my character. I have worked in the Mobile Police for 12 years. I have worked for my fatherland with all my heart,” he said.
The policeman also displayed scars and injuries on his body, claiming they were sustained during security operations.
“Look at my body, these are all bullets. These are all gunshot wounds. See my chest, bullet has eaten into it. Out of 17 of us, only two survived that operation,” he said.
“We have suffered in this work. So it was out of annoyance. We don’t even like complaining,” he added.
Attempting to retract his earlier threat, Isokpehi insisted he had no intention of killing civilians.
“How can I be saying I will kill my own people? We don’t do that. I spoke out of annoyance. That one was just verbal talk,” he said.
The officer further appealed directly to Gwamnishu and Nigerians, saying the backlash generated by the viral video had gone beyond what he anticipated.
“Harrison, forgive me. I beg the whole of Nigeria, please forgive me. This one has reached too far. If you want to know me, come and meet me one-on-one. You will know me personally. I will not run. I will not surrender,” he added.
He also expressed optimism that the welfare and working conditions of police personnel would improve under the current leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We have decided that we will die for our fatherland. One day, things will surely get better by the grace of God. One love to the world,” he said.
The apology followed widespread criticism after a video surfaced online showing the officer threatening to “clear everybody down,” including persons standing near anyone filming him.