By Ogbeni Olawale Dawodu
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has banned police personnel from unauthorised social media activities, warning that such conduct erodes the integrity, professionalism and public image of the Nigeria Police Force.
The directive follows growing concern over serving officers creating videos, conducting live broadcasts and engaging in other online activities while in uniform or in ways that clearly identify them as Force members, without official clearance.
In a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, the IGP acknowledged that social media remains a vital tool for communication and public engagement, but insisted its use by officers must align strictly with existing laws, regulations and the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy.
Personnel are barred from creating or sharing unauthorised content in uniform, commenting publicly on official police matters, disclosing sensitive operational details, or trading on their status as officers for personal promotion, entertainment or commercial gain, according to the statement.
To enforce compliance, Commissioners of Police, Heads of Departments, Commanders and other supervisory officers have been ordered to immediately sensitise personnel under their command and ensure strict adherence to the policy. The IGP cautioned that supervisory officers themselves would be held accountable for any failure to act against violations within their commands.
As an added enforcement layer, the Force Intelligence Department (FID) and the Professional Standards Department (X-Squad) have been directed to step up monitoring of social media platforms to identify officers whose online conduct falls below professional standards.
The Force restated its commitment to discipline, professionalism and responsible public communication, assuring Nigerians of its continued resolve to protect public trust and the institution’s integrity.
