Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has banned police officers from creating or monetising content on social media platforms while identifying themselves as members of the Nigeria Police Force.
The directive, contained in an internal police circular issued nationwide, warns that violators could face dismissal, demotion, salary forfeiture and prosecution.
The order prohibits officers from creating, publishing or sharing videos, photographs, skits, live streams or similar content in police uniforms or on police premises without written approval from the IGP or an authorised representative.
It also bars officers from operating personal or anonymous social media accounts for entertainment, brand promotion or commercial activities linked to their status as police personnel.
Officers are further prohibited from publicly commenting on police investigations, disciplinary matters, deployments and other official issues.
“The Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution whose effectiveness depends on public trust, institutional integrity, and the professional conduct of every officer,” the circular stated.
Disu warned that officers who violate the directive could face immediate interdiction, forfeiture of salary during disciplinary proceedings, reduction in rank, dismissal from service and prosecution under relevant criminal or cybercrime laws.
The circular also places responsibility on senior officers to monitor compliance and discipline erring personnel.
The directive comes weeks after Disu cautioned the public and content creators against the indiscriminate recording and circulation of police-related videos.
“We urge members of the public and social media users to refrain from recycling old or manipulated videos capable of creating panic or undermining national security efforts,” he said during an interactive session with crime correspondents in Abuja in May.
