The Adamawa State Police Command has warned residents against cyberbullying, blackmail and the unauthorised 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 violate the law and could attract prosecution.

In a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, the police expressed concern over the increasing cases of cyberbullying, blackmail and circulation of private images on social media.

Nguroje said that sharing 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 state Commissioner of Police, 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 contents.

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

The Command, therefore, 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 also 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 online harassment or invasion of privacy and urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies in addressing the menace.