The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has banned serving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorized social media activities, including creating videos, posting skits, livestreaming and monetizing content while identifying themselves as police officers.
The directive was contained in a circular dated June 22 and signed by the IGP’s Principal Staff Officer.
Under the new order, officers found violating the directive could face severe disciplinary actions, including suspension, salary forfeiture, demotion, dismissal from the Force and possible criminal prosecution.
The police chief expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of officers using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for personal promotion, entertainment and financial gain without official approval.
According to the circular, some officers have been posting videos in police uniforms, operating social media accounts that reference their status as police personnel and making unauthorized comments on police operations, disciplinary matters, internal affairs and national security issues.
The Force also raised concerns about officers seeking to become full-time content creators while still serving in the police and sharing opinions capable of undermining public confidence in the institution.
The circular reminded personnel that existing regulations already prohibit unauthorized public statements, interviews, social media activities in police uniform and any conduct capable of embarrassing or compromising the Nigeria Police Force.
With immediate effect, officers and men of the Force have been prohibited from creating, publishing or sharing videos, photographs, skits, livestreams or other forms of content in police uniforms or within police facilities without written approval from the Inspector-General of Police or an authorized representative.
The directive also bars officers from operating personal or anonymous social media accounts for entertainment, brand promotion or commercial activities where their status as police personnel is used for influence or financial benefit.
In addition, serving officers are no longer permitted to publicly comment on investigations, transfers, promotions, disciplinary proceedings or other official police matters without authorization.
The IGP further prohibited officers from accepting sponsorship deals, endorsement contracts or monetization arrangements linked to their identity as members of the Nigeria Police Force.
Personnel were also warned against sharing classified information, operational details, deployment strategies or making political statements connected to their role as police officers.
Disu stressed that senior officers would be held accountable for violations committed by personnel under their supervision.
To ensure compliance, Commissioners of Police nationwide have been directed to formally communicate the new policy to all officers within their commands and submit evidence of compliance, including attendance records and acknowledgment forms, to the Force Secretary within 30 days.
The latest directive signals a major crackdown on the growing number of police officers using social media platforms for content creation and personal branding while in active service.
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