Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has banned serving officers of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorised social media activities, warning that violators risk dismissal, demotion, salary forfeiture, and possible prosecution.
The directive affects officers using platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and other similar platforms for content creation while identifying as police personnel.
The order was contained in an internal circular dated June 22, 2026, and marked “Restricted – For Official Use Only.”
The circular was addressed to senior police authorities across the country, including Heads of Departments, Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General, Commissioners of Police, the FCT Commissioner of Police, the Commandant of the Police Mobile Force, and other unit commanders.
The police chief raised concern over what he described as the increasing use of social media by officers for personal entertainment, self-promotion, and commercial activities.
According to the directive, the Force has observed a growing trend of officers posting videos, conducting live sessions, and creating social media content while in uniform or in situations clearly linking them to the Nigeria Police Force.
The circular stated that some officers have turned social media into a platform for skits, monetised content, brand promotions and public commentary on sensitive police matters.
“I am directed by the Inspector-General of Police to draw the attention of all Commands, Formations, Departments and Units to the growing and most disturbing trend of police officers and men creating and publishing videos, conducting live sessions, and participating in social media platforms particularly TikTok, Instagram Reels, Facebook Live, YouTube, and similar platforms while in police uniform or in circumstances that identify them as members of the Nigeria Police Force, without lawful authority.”
Under the new directive, officers are now prohibited from posting videos, photographs, skits, live streams or any other form of content in police uniform or within police facilities without written approval.
They are also barred from running personal or anonymous social media accounts for entertainment, content creation, or commercial purposes where such accounts exploit their identity as police officers.
The ban also extends to public commentary on police operations, investigations, transfers, promotions, disciplinary matters and other official issues.
Officers have equally been warned against accepting sponsorships, endorsement deals, monetisation arrangements or business partnerships tied to their identity as members of the Force.
The directive further prohibits the release of classified or sensitive information related to police operations, deployments, personnel records and operational strategies.
In a major development, the IGP also placed responsibility on senior officers for violations committed by subordinates.
Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners, Divisional Police Officers and other supervisory officers are expected to actively monitor the online activities of officers under their command.
Any supervising officer found negligent in detecting or reporting violations may also face disciplinary action.
The circular introduced vicarious liability, meaning both the offending officer and the supervising officer may be sanctioned if misconduct is established.
Police commissioners have been directed to immediately communicate the new policy to officers in their commands.
Within seven days, all commands are expected to issue similar directives internally.
Every officer must sign an acknowledgement confirming receipt and understanding of the directive.
Compliance reports are expected within 14 days and must be submitted through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations.
The reports will detail the number of officers notified, disciplinary measures taken where necessary, and compliance strategies introduced.
The Force Intelligence Bureau and the Professional Standards Department, also known as X-Squad, have been tasked with monitoring social media platforms to identify violators.
Officers currently operating content creation accounts linked to their police identity have been given 14 days to either deactivate such accounts or remove all connections to the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP warned that sanctions for violations will be severe.
These include immediate interdiction, salary forfeiture during disciplinary investigations, demotion, dismissal from service, and criminal prosecution where necessary.
According to the circular, “The Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution whose effectiveness depends on public trust, institutional integrity, and the professional conduct of every officer. The Inspector-General of Police is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and will not tolerate conduct that undermines the image and operational effectiveness of the Force.”
The directive takes immediate effect nationwide. All commands have been instructed to treat the order as a matter of high priority.
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