The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed all officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to desist from engaging in unauthorised social media activities capable of undermining the integrity, professionalism and public image of the Force.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu.

According to the statement, the order follows growing concerns over the increasing trend of police personnel creating and publishing videos, conducting live sessions and engaging in other social media activities while in uniform or in circumstances that clearly identify them as members of the Nigeria Police Force without obtaining official authorisation.

The IGP noted that while social media remains an important platform for communication and public engagement, its use by serving officers must strictly comply with existing laws, regulations and the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy.

He stressed that officers are prohibited from creating, posting or sharing unauthorised content while dressed in police uniform, commenting publicly on official police matters, disclosing sensitive operational information, or using their status as police officers for personal promotion, entertainment or commercial gain.

Disu warned that any action capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or compromising its professional standards would not be tolerated.

To ensure strict compliance with the directive, the IGP ordered Commissioners of Police, Heads of Departments, Commanders and other supervisory officers across the country to immediately sensitise personnel under their commands and enforce adherence to the regulations governing social media use.

He further stated that supervisory officers would be held accountable for any failure to take appropriate disciplinary action against personnel found violating the directive within their areas of responsibility.

As part of measures to enforce compliance, the Inspector-General directed the Force Intelligence Department (FID) and the Professional Standards Department (X-Squad) to intensify monitoring of social media platforms and identify officers engaged in activities inconsistent with the ethical and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.