The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has prohibited serving officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorised social media activities, including creating videos, skits, live streams and other content that identifies them as police officers.
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 producing or sharing content on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and similar social media channels without official approval. The order also prohibits personnel from monetising content, accepting sponsorships or using their status as police officers for personal brand promotion or commercial gain.
The police chief expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of officers creating social media content in police uniforms and discussing official matters without authorization.
The circular noted that some personnel have been posting videos for entertainment, personal promotion and financial gain, operating social media accounts in ways that could bring the Force into disrepute, and making public comments on police operations, disciplinary issues, internal affairs and national security matters.
It further stated that some officers have shown interest in becoming full-time content creators while still serving in the Force, a development the police leadership considers incompatible with the responsibilities of active-duty personnel.
The IGP reminded officers that existing laws and regulations already prohibit unauthorised public statements, interviews, and online activities capable of embarrassing or compromising the Nigeria Police Force.
Under the new directive, serving officers are prohibited from creating, publishing or sharing videos, photographs, skits, live streams or other content in police uniforms or within police facilities without express written approval from the Inspector-General of Police or an authorised representative.
The order also bars officers from operating personal or anonymous social media accounts for content creation, entertainment, brand promotion or commercial purposes where such activities reference or exploit their identity as police personnel.
Additionally, officers are forbidden from publicly commenting on police investigations, transfers, promotions, disciplinary proceedings or other official matters, as well as disclosing classified or sensitive information relating to police operations, deployments and strategies.
The directive also prohibits officers from making statements on political issues, government policies or public controversies in a manner linked to their role as members of the Nigeria Police Force.
Disu warned that violations of the directive would attract strict disciplinary measures, including suspension from duty, loss of salary, demotion, dismissal from the Force and, where necessary, criminal prosecution.
He further stated that senior officers would be held accountable for breaches committed by personnel under their supervision.
The circular directed Commissioners of Police across the country to communicate the new policy to all officers within their commands and submit evidence of compliance, including attendance records and acknowledgement forms, to the Force Secretary within 30 days.