ABUJA, Nigeria — The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has barred serving officers from engaging in unauthorised social media activity that identifies them as members of the Nigeria Police Force.
The directive was contained in an internal circular dated Monday, June 22, 2026, and marked “Restricted — For Official Use Only.”
It was sent to senior police authorities across the country, including zonal assistant inspectors-general, commissioners of police, Police Mobile Force commanders and heads of other units.
The order applies to officers using TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and other platforms to create or publish content while in uniform, inside police facilities or in circumstances that present them as police personnel.
According to the circular, the force had observed a growing pattern of officers recording videos, holding live sessions and producing monetised content while visibly associated with the police.
The directive prohibits officers from posting skits, photographs, live streams or similar content in uniform or within police premises without written approval.
It also bars officers from using personal or anonymous accounts for entertainment or commercial activity where those accounts rely on their identity as law enforcement personnel.
Restrictions on Commentary and Monetisation
The circular also prohibits public commentary on sensitive police matters, including operations, investigations, deployments, promotions and disciplinary issues.
Officers are barred from accepting sponsorships, endorsements or monetisation arrangements connected to their status as police officers.
The order introduces vicarious liability for commanders, making senior officers responsible for monitoring personnel under their supervision.
Commissioners of police, divisional police officers and other supervisors who fail to detect or report violations may face disciplinary action.
Commands nationwide were directed to implement the policy immediately, issue internal instructions within seven days and ensure that officers sign acknowledgement forms confirming that they had received and understood the order.
Compliance reports are expected within 14 days and are to include enforcement actions and monitoring strategies.
Monitoring and Sanctions
The Force Intelligence Bureau and the X-Squad, the police professional standards unit, were assigned to monitor social media platforms for violations.
Officers who already operate accounts linked to their identities as police personnel were given 14 days to deactivate them or remove all references to the Nigeria Police Force.
The directive states that sanctions may include interdiction, salary forfeiture, demotion, dismissal and prosecution, depending on the severity of the breach.
The circular said the policy had taken immediate effect nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen discipline, professionalism and public trust in the police.
Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the new force public relations officer, could not be reached for comment. Calls placed to him were not answered.
A senior officer at Force Headquarters in Abuja confirmed the directive.
“The signal is true and the contents are very clear to all personnel of the Nigeria Police Force. It is our internal affair. Thank you,” the officer said.
