The Adamawa State Police Command has warned residents against cyberbullying, blackmail and the non-consensual sharing of nude images and private videos on social media, describing such acts as criminal offences.

The Command said the unauthorised posting, forwarding or distribution of nude photographs, sex videos and other private images of individuals violates the law and could attract prosecution.

In a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer,u Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, said police noted that, the Command had observed with concern the increasing cases of cyberbullying, blackmail and the circulation of private images on social media.

Nguroje explained that the sharing of explicit content without the consent of the individuals involved was punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended, and other applicable laws.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Kabir Umar Hassan, had directed Divisional Police Officers, Area Commanders and tactical teams to arrest and prosecute anyone found engaging in cyberbullying, sextortion or the unauthorised distribution of explicit content.

According to the statement, the directive is part of efforts to protect residents from online harassment, blackmail and violations of their privacy.

The Command also urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activities and guide them on responsible social media use to prevent them from becoming victims or perpetrators of cyber-related offences.

It further encouraged victims of cyberbullying, sextortion and the unauthorised sharing of private images to report such incidents to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency lines.

The police assured residents that the Command would not tolerate any form of online harassment or invasion of privacy and urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies in addressing the menace.