Olatunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police, has prohibited serving officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorised social media activities, including creating videos, live streaming, posting skits and monetising content on digital platforms.
Olatunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police
The directive was contained in a circular dated June 22 and signed by the IGP’s Principal Staff Officer.
According to the circular, officers are barred from creating or sharing content on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and other social media channels while identifying themselves as police officers without official approval.
Disu expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of police personnel producing and posting videos of themselves in police uniforms for entertainment, personal promotion and financial gain.
The circular noted that some officers had been operating social media accounts under their real names or pseudonyms in ways capable of bringing the Force into disrepute.
It also accused some personnel of publicly commenting on police operations, disciplinary matters, internal affairs and national security issues without authorisation.
The IGP warned that any officer found violating the directive would face severe disciplinary measures, including suspension from duties, forfeiture of salary, demotion, dismissal from the Force and possible criminal prosecution.
According to the circular, existing laws and regulations governing police conduct already prohibit officers from making unauthorised public statements, granting interviews without approval, posting content in police uniform for non-official purposes or engaging in activities capable of embarrassing the Force.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, prohibits officers from creating, publishing or sharing videos, photographs, skits, live streams or any other content in police uniforms or within police premises without express written approval from the Inspector-General or his designated representative.
It also bars personnel 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.
The circular further prohibits officers from publicly commenting on police investigations, postings, transfers, promotions, disciplinary proceedings or other official police matters.
Officers are also forbidden from accepting sponsorships, endorsement deals, monetisation arrangements or commercial partnerships arising from content that leverages their identity as police personnel.
The directive equally bans the disclosure of classified, restricted or sensitive information relating to police operations, deployments, personnel or strategies, as well as making statements on political matters, government policies or public controversies in a manner linked to their identity as police officers.
The IGP warned that senior officers would be held personally accountable for violations committed by personnel under their command.
He directed Commissioners of Police nationwide to communicate the directive to all officers within their commands and submit evidence of compliance, including attendance registers and acknowledgement forms, to the Force Secretary within 30 days.
Disu said the measure was aimed at preserving the integrity, discipline and public image of the Nigeria Police Force.
