Police officers who engage in unauthorised social media activities risk dismissal, demotion, and prosecution, the Nigeria Police Force has warned.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, announced a new policy on Tuesday directing personnel to avoid online engagements that compromise professional standards and the force’s integrity.
Under the framework, violations could attract interdiction, loss of salary, demotion, dismissal, or prosecution under relevant laws.
The directive, which applies across all commands and formations of the Force, targets the use of digital platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and similar channels by serving officers who identify themselves as members of the Nigeria Police Force while creating or sharing content.
Details of the policy were conveyed in an internal communication dated June 22, 2026, circulated to senior police authorities nationwide, including zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, commanders of specialised formations and heads of various operational units.
According to the communication, the Force has observed a growing pattern of online content creation involving police personnel, including video productions, live broadcasts and other forms of public engagement conducted in ways that visibly associate participants with the Nigeria Police Force.
The new guidelines prohibit officers from publishing videos, photographs, skits, livestreams or related content while wearing police uniforms or operating within police facilities without prior written authorisation from the appropriate authorities.
The policy also restricts the operation of personal or anonymous social media accounts used for entertainment, promotional or commercial purposes where such activities are linked to, or draw attention from, an officer’s status within the Force.
Besides, personnel have been directed to avoid public discussions relating to operational matters, investigations, deployments, promotions, disciplinary procedures and other internal issues considered sensitive to the administration of the Force.
The directive further bars officers from entering sponsorship arrangements, endorsement partnerships or monetisation agreements that derive value from their position as serving police personnel.
As part of the enforcement mechanism, the Force leadership has expanded supervisory responsibilities by requiring senior officers to actively monitor compliance among personnel under their command.
Under the arrangement, Commissioners of Police, Divisional Police Officers and other supervisory officers are expected to identify and report violations promptly. Failure to exercise adequate oversight may attract administrative consequences.
Commands and formations across the country have been instructed to commence implementation immediately. They are expected to issue corresponding internal directives within seven days and ensure that all personnel formally acknowledge receipt and understanding of the new policy.
The Force has also directed commands to submit compliance reports within 14 days, outlining measures taken to enforce the guidelines and monitor adherence among officers.
To support implementation, the Force Intelligence Bureau and the X-Squad Professional Standards Unit have been assigned responsibility for tracking online activities and identifying instances of non-compliance on digital platforms.
Officers currently operating social media accounts that prominently associate them with their service identity have reportedly been given a 14-day period to either deactivate such accounts or remove references linking them to the Nigeria Police Force where those accounts fall outside approved communication channels.
The communication emphasised that disciplinary responses would depend on the nature and gravity of any infraction, with available sanctions ranging from administrative penalties to more severe measures where warranted.
The policy took immediate effect nationwide and was presented as part of broader efforts aimed at strengthening professionalism, reinforcing discipline and enhancing public confidence in the activities of the Nigeria Police Force.
