The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has banned police officers from engaging in unauthorised social media activities, warning that officers who violate the directive could face dismissal and other disciplinary measures.
Key Highlights:
The directive applies to police officers using platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other social media channels to create content, while identifying themselves as police officers.
The new policy was conveyed in an internal circular dated June 22, 2026, marked “Restricted – For Official Use Only,” and distributed to senior police officers across the country.
According to the circular, the police hierarchy expressed concern over the growing trend of police officers posting videos, livestreams and other content while in uniform or in situations that directly associate them with the police.
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The document noted that some police officers had turned social media into a platform for skit-making, monetised content, brand endorsements and commentary on police activities without official authorisation.
Under the directive, police officers are barred from posting videos, photographs or livestreams in police uniforms or within police facilities unless they have obtained written approval.
They are also banned from operating personal or anonymous accounts for entertainment or commercial purposes that leverage their identity as police officers.
The circular further restricts police officers from making public comments on sensitive police matters, including ongoing operations, investigations, promotions and internal disciplinary issues.
It also forbids the disclosure of classified or operational information, including deployment details, security strategies and personnel records.
Senior officers have been tasked with monitoring the online activities of personnel under their supervision, with both offending officers and their supervisors liable for disciplinary action if the rules are breached.
To enforce compliance, the Force Intelligence Bureau and the X-Squad have been directed to monitor social media platforms for violations.
Police officers currently operating social media accounts linked to their identities as police personnel have been given 14 days to either deactivate those accounts or remove references connecting them to the Nigeria Police Force.
The inspector-general of police warned that violations could attract sanctions, ranging from interdiction and salary suspension during investigations to demotion, dismissal and possible criminal prosecution.
The directive takes immediate effect nationwide.
