Newton Isokpehi, the police officer who sparked outrage after threatening to shoot anyone caught filming him while on duty, has apologised to Nigerians, saying his comments were made in anger and frustration.

In a video shared on TikTok on Thursday, the officer pleaded for forgiveness from the public and rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who reposted the viral clip that triggered widespread backlash online.

According to Isokpehi, he never intended to harm civilians and only spoke “out of annoyance” over the challenges faced by police officers. He clarified that Nigerians are legally allowed to record police officers but complained that some people had taken the practice “too far.”

The officer, who said he is from Edo State and grew up in a police barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a dedicated officer who had spent 12 years serving in the Mobile Police unit.

During the emotional appeal, Isokpehi displayed several gunshot wounds he claimed were sustained during operations, recounting that only two officers survived one particular mission involving 17 personnel.

He insisted his earlier threat was merely a verbal outburst and not a genuine intention to attack citizens.

“Harrison, forgive me. I beg the whole of Nigeria, please forgive me. This one has gone too far,” he said, adding that he remains committed to serving the country despite the hardship officers face.

The apology came barely 24 hours after a viral video showed him threatening to “clear everybody down,” including bystanders near anyone filming him — remarks that drew heavy criticism on social media and renewed calls for police accountability.

As of Thursday evening, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement on the incident.