The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered all police personnel nationwide to refrain from unauthorised social media activities, warning that conduct capable of undermining the image, professionalism and integrity of the Nigeria Police Force will attract disciplinary action.
The directive follows growing concerns over the increasing trend of serving officers creating videos, conducting live sessions and engaging in other social media activities while in uniform or in circumstances that clearly identify them as members of the Force without official authorisation.
The order was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, who said the Inspector-General had directed immediate compliance across all commands and formations.
According to the statement, while social media remains an important platform for communication and public engagement, its use by police personnel must conform strictly to existing laws, regulations and the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed all officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to desist from unauthorised social media activities capable of undermining the integrity, professionalism and public image of the Force,” Iniedu stated.
He explained that officers are prohibited from creating or disseminating unauthorised content while in police uniform, commenting publicly on official police matters, disclosing sensitive operational information or exploiting their status as police officers for personal promotion, entertainment or commercial purposes.
“The IGP emphasized that while social media remains an important tool for communication and public engagement, its use by serving officers must be guided by extant laws, regulations and the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy,” the statement said.
“He noted that officers are prohibited from creating or sharing unauthorised content in police uniform, commenting publicly on official police matters, disclosing sensitive operational information, or using their status as police officers for personal promotion, entertainment, or commercial gain.”
To ensure strict compliance, the Inspector-General directed Commissioners of Police, Heads of Departments, Commanders and other supervisory officers to sensitise personnel under their authority and enforce the directive without exception.
The police hierarchy warned that supervisory officers would be held accountable where violations occur and appropriate disciplinary measures are not taken.
“To ensure compliance, Commissioners of Police, Heads of Departments, Commanders, and other supervisory officers have been directed to immediately sensitise personnel under their commands and enforce strict adherence to the directive,” Iniedu said.
“Supervisory officers will be held accountable for failure to take appropriate action against violations within their areas of responsibility.”
As part of efforts to strengthen enforcement, the Inspector-General also directed the Force Intelligence Department and the Professional Standards Department, popularly known as the X-Squad, to intensify surveillance of social media platforms and identify officers whose online activities fall short of the professional standards expected of members of the Force.
“The Inspector-General further directed the Force Intelligence Department (FID) and the Professional Standards Department (X-Squad) to strengthen monitoring of social media platforms and identify officers engaged in activities inconsistent with the professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement added.
The Force said the directive forms part of broader efforts to preserve discipline, professionalism and public confidence in policing, particularly at a time when social media has become a major platform for public interaction and information dissemination.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to discipline, professionalism and responsible public communication, while assuring members of the public of its continued dedication to maintaining public trust and institutional integrity,” Iniedu stated.
The latest directive underscores the Force’s determination to regulate the conduct of its personnel online and ensure that public communication by officers reflects the values, ethics and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
