The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has issued a sweeping directive prohibiting serving officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from engaging in unauthorized social media activities while identifying themselves as members of the Force.
The directive, contained in an official circular dated June 22, 2026, and signed by the IGP’s Principal Staff Officer, seeks to address what the police leadership described as the increasing misuse of social media platforms by serving officers for personal promotion, entertainment, and financial gain.
Under the new order, police personnel are expressly forbidden from creating or posting videos, participating in live streams, producing comedy skits, monetizing content, or operating social media accounts in a manner that portrays them as serving police officers without obtaining official authorization. The restriction applies to major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and other similar digital channels.
The IGP warned that any officer found violating the directive would face severe disciplinary sanctions, including immediate suspension from duty, forfeiture of salary and allowances, demotion in rank, dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force, and, where applicable, criminal prosecution.
According to the circular, the police leadership is concerned about the growing trend of officers appearing in uniform on social media for non-official purposes, often creating content designed for entertainment, personal branding, or financial rewards. The Force noted that some personnel have been operating social media accounts under their real identities or pseudonyms in ways capable of bringing the institution into disrepute.
The circular further highlighted concerns over officers publicly commenting on official police operations, disciplinary matters, internal administrative affairs, and national security issues without proper authorization. It also criticized the emerging practice of some serving officers aspiring to become full-time social media content creators while still actively serving in the Force.
Police authorities emphasized that such activities undermine professionalism, compromise operational integrity, and have the potential to erode public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Reiterating existing regulations governing the conduct of personnel, the circular reminded officers that several laws, regulations, and service rules already prohibit unauthorized public statements, media interviews without approval, the use of police uniforms for non-official content creation, and online activities capable of embarrassing, compromising, or misrepresenting the Force.
The directive underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to maintaining discipline, professionalism, and public trust, while ensuring that official communication and representation of the institution remain strictly regulated and in line with established procedures.
Observers say the move reflects the Force’s determination to strengthen institutional accountability and preserve the integrity of policing in an era increasingly shaped by social media influence and digital engagement.
