The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has issued a nationwide directive prohibiting serving officers of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorized social media activities, including content creation, live streaming, skit production, and monetized online activities.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, applies to officers using platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and other social media channels while identifying themselves as members of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to an internal circular dated June 22 and issued from the Office of the IGP Disu at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, officers who violate the order could face severe disciplinary measures, including interdiction, salary forfeiture, demotion, dismissal from service, and possible criminal prosecution.
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The circular stated that the IGP Disu was concerned about the growing number of police personnel using social media platforms without authorization.
According to the directive, many officers have increasingly turned social media into channels for entertainment, personal branding, and commercial activities while appearing in police uniforms or identifying themselves as serving officers.
The police leadership believes such activities could undermine the integrity, professionalism, and public image of the force.
The circular described the trend as a disturbing development that requires immediate intervention.
Under the new policy, police officers are prohibited from creating, publishing, or sharing videos, photographs, skits, live broadcasts, and other forms of content in police uniforms or within police facilities without written approval.
The directive also bars officers from operating personal or anonymous social media accounts for entertainment purposes, brand promotion, influencer activities, or commercial ventures where their identity as police personnel is referenced.
Additionally, officers are forbidden from publicly discussing:
- Police investigations
- Transfers and postings
- Promotions
- Internal disciplinary matters
- Official police operations
- Government-related security matters
The order further prohibits personnel from sharing classified or sensitive information relating to police operations, deployments, strategies, and internal communications.
A major aspect of the directive focuses on monetization activities.
The police leadership has prohibited officers from accepting sponsorship deals, endorsement agreements, advertising contracts, influencer partnerships, and other commercial arrangements linked to their status as members of the force.
This means officers cannot use their police identity to generate income through content creation on social media platforms.
The directive also warns officers against making political statements, discussing government policies, or participating in public controversies in a manner connected to their role within the Nigeria Police Force.
One of the most significant elements of the new policy is the introduction of vicarious liability.
Under the directive, senior officers may be held accountable for violations committed by personnel under their supervision.
Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners, Divisional Police Officers, and other supervising officers have been instructed to actively monitor the social media activities of personnel within their commands.
Failure to report violations could result in disciplinary measures against supervisors as well.
The IGP Disu has directed all police commands nationwide to communicate the policy to officers within seven days.
Every officer is expected to acknowledge receipt and understanding of the directive in writing.
Furthermore, officers currently operating social media content creation accounts connected to their police identity have been given 14 days to either deactivate such accounts or remove all references linking them to the Nigeria Police Force.
Compliance reports are expected to be submitted through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of operations within 14 days.
To ensure compliance, the Force Intelligence Bureau and the Professional Standards Department, commonly known as X-Squad, have been tasked with monitoring social media platforms.
These units will identify officers who violate the policy and recommend disciplinary action where necessary.
The monitoring effort is expected to cover major platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and emerging social media networks.
The circular emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined institution whose effectiveness depends largely on public trust and professional conduct.
According to the directive, maintaining institutional integrity is essential to the force’s operations and reputation.
The police leadership stated that any conduct capable of damaging public confidence in the force would not be tolerated.
With immediate nationwide implementation, the IGP Disu social media ban represents one of the most comprehensive restrictions ever placed on the online activities of serving police officers in Nigeria, signaling a renewed focus on discipline, professionalism, and institutional accountability within the force.
- Nigeria Police Force
- Federal Government of Nigeria
- IGP Disu social media ban
IGP Disu social media ban
IGP Disu social media ban
