New Directive Targets Unauthorized Social Media Activity
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has issued a directive barring all serving officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorized social media activities. This includes creating videos, live streaming, posting skits, and monetizing content on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and similar platforms while identifying themselves as police officers.
In a circular dated June 22 and signed by his Principal Staff Officer, the IGP warned that any officer found violating the directive would face severe disciplinary measures. These include immediate suspension from duties, forfeiture of salary, demotion, dismissal from the Force, and possible criminal prosecution.
IGP Expresses Concern Over Disturbing Trend
The IGP expressed concern over what he described as a growing and most disturbing trend of police personnel creating social media content without official approval. According to the circular, officers have been producing and posting videos of themselves in police uniform on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms for entertainment, personal promotion, and financial gain. They have also been operating social media accounts under their real names or pseudonyms in ways capable of bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.
Additionally, the circular noted that officers have been publicly commenting on official police operations, disciplinary matters, internal affairs, and national security issues without authorization. Some have aspired to become full-time social media content creators while still serving in the Force, and have made statements and shared opinions on sensitive issues that undermine public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Legal Framework Already Governs Conduct
The circular reminded officers that their conduct is already governed by several laws that prohibit unauthorized public statements, granting interviews without approval, posting content in police uniform for non-official purposes, or engaging in online activities capable of embarrassing or compromising the Force.
With immediate effect, all serving officers and men are prohibited from creating, publishing, or sharing videos, photographs, skits, live streams, or any other content in police uniform or within police premises without express written approval from the Inspector-General of Police or his designated representative. They are also barred from operating personal or anonymous social media accounts for content creation, entertainment, brand promotion, or commercial purposes where such activities reference or exploit their status as police officers.
Specific Prohibitions Outlined
The directive further prohibits officers from publicly commenting on police investigations, postings, transfers, promotions, disciplinary proceedings, or any official police matter. Accepting sponsorships, endorsement deals, monetization arrangements, or commercial partnerships arising from content that leverages their identity as police personnel is also forbidden. Additionally, officers must not post or disclose classified, restricted, or sensitive information relating to police operations, deployments, personnel, or strategies. Making statements on political matters, government policies, or public controversies in a manner linked to their identity as police officers is also prohibited.
Senior Officers Held Accountable
The IGP warned that senior officers would be held personally responsible for violations committed by officers under their command. The circular further ordered Commissioners of Police to formally communicate the directive to every officer in their commands and submit evidence of dissemination, including attendance registers and acknowledgement forms, to the Force Secretary within 30 days.
