Police who aimed weapons at youth detainees during a riot were acting in accordance with their training, the Northern Territory's Chief Minister says.

Key points: The ABC revealed footage of police aiming guns at unarmed detainees after a riot

The ABC revealed footage of police aiming guns at unarmed detainees after a riot The NT Chief Minister is standing by the police, saying they acted as they were trained to do

The NT Chief Minister is standing by the police, saying they acted as they were trained to do The Opposition Leader says Corrections officers should be running Don Dale

The ABC obtained leaked CCTV of a November riot at the Don Dale youth detention centre in Darwin.

The footage shows Tactical Response Group police in military camouflage aiming their guns at surrendering, unarmed youth detainees.

"I think it's always really important as a politician not to get involved about hindsight decision-making about someone who's operationally making decisions in the heat of that moment," Chief Minister Michael Gunner said.

"There are oversight measures in place from the Children's Commissioner to the ombudsman, and police are highly trained … they regularly respond to situations across the Northern Territory, they know what they're doing and I have confidence in NT Police."

But the actions angered human rights lawyer Shahleena Musk who has recently toured the facility in Darwin.

Human rights lawyer Shahleena Musk has voiced her horror at the footage. ( ABC News )

"I couldn't believe that weapons were being aimed at children who were unarmed and in the process of surrendering — it was really terrifying to see," she said.

"These were weapons that were being aimed at children and I cannot for the life of me see why that would be the case, it really just astounds me."

Ms Musk said her recent inspection of the centre left her concerned about the reformation of the NT's youth justice system.

"It was really disappointing to see a jurisdiction that's gone through a royal commission, still dealing with these really serious issues," she said.

Centre staff lack sufficient training, Opposition says

NT Opposition Leader Gary Higgins said he believed the latest CCTV leaked to the ABC was proof the system was dysfunctional.

"From the bits I've seen online, it would seem that this incident indicates it was as bad as if not worse that what we saw on the ABC Four Corners program," Mr Higgins said.

"One thing that became obvious to me from one section of the footage, and not to criticise them, but these youth workers are not trained to the same level as corrections officers.

"We need Corrections [running Don Dale] because they're the ones who get 90 days training.

"Youth in detention should be part of a Corrections facility, not part of the Children and Families [department]."

Inmates scaled the roof of Don Dale Detention Centre during a riot in November. ( Supplied )

Mr Higgins also said he supported the action of police.

"I think police are in the situation where they don't know what they're going to confront," he said.

"You do see some coming into some rooms and it's obvious they've got no idea what is actually in that room or what is awaiting them and they're entitled to defend themselves in whatever way they can."