The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has barred all personnel of the Nigeria Police Force from creating social media contents while on uniform.
Disu directed all the officers to desist from unauthorised social media activities capable of undermining the integrity, professionalism, and public image of the Force.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu.
According to the statement, the IGP’s directive followed growing concerns over the increasing trend of police personnel creating and publishing videos, as well as conducting live sessions while in uniform.
Iniedu also in cited engagement in other social media activities under circumstances that identify them as members of the Nigeria Police Force without official authorisation.
While acknowledging the importance of social media, Disu, according to the police spokesperson,
The IGP emphasized that while social media remains an important tool for communication and public engagement, its use by serving officers must be guided by extant laws, regulations, and the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy.
He noted that officers are prohibited from creating or sharing unauthorised content 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.
To ensure compliance, Commissioners of Police, Heads of Departments, Commanders, and other supervisory officers have been directed to immediately sensitise personnel under their commands and enforce strict adherence to the directive.
Supervisory officers are to be held accountable for failure to take appropriate action against violations within their areas of responsibility.
In the same vein, Disu further directed the Force Intelligence Department (FID) and the Professional Standards Department (X-Squad) to strengthen monitoring of social media platforms and identify officers engaged in activities inconsistent with the professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.