IGP Disu Bans Unauthorised Social Media Use By Officers, Orders Strict Enforcement Across Nigeria Police Force

The Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria Police Force, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered a sweeping clampdown on unauthorised social media activities by police personnel, warning that strict disciplinary action will follow any breach of existing regulations governing online conduct.

In a statement posted on NPF  official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the IGP directed all officers and men of the Force to immediately desist from engaging in social media activities capable of undermining the integrity, professionalism, and public image of the Nigeria Police Force.

He stressed that the directive had become necessary amid growing concerns over the rising trend of officers creating and publishing videos, conducting live sessions, and engaging in other forms of online content creation while in uniform or in circumstances that clearly identify them as serving members of the Force without authorisation.

The IGP warned that such conduct would no longer be tolerated, stating that:

“All officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force are hereby directed to desist forthwith from unauthorised social media activities capable of undermining the integrity, professionalism and public image of the Force.”

He further reiterated that while social media remains a legitimate tool for communication and public engagement, its use by serving officers must remain strictly within the bounds of extant laws, regulations, and the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy.

According to him:

“Social media is a useful tool for engagement, but its use by serving officers must be guided by existing laws, regulations, and the Social Media Policy of the Nigeria Police Force.”

The IGP specifically prohibited officers from creating or sharing unauthorised content in police uniform, commenting publicly on official operational matters, disclosing sensitive security information, or leveraging their position in the Force for personal promotion, entertainment, or commercial gain.

He stated:

“Personnel are prohibited from creating or disseminating unauthorised content in uniform, commenting on official police operations, disclosing sensitive operational information, or using their status as police officers for personal gain or entertainment.”

To enforce compliance, the IGP directed Commissioners of Police, Heads of Departments, Commanders, and other supervisory officers across formations to immediately sensitise personnel under their commands and ensure strict adherence to the directive.

He warned that supervisory officers would be held accountable for any lapses within their jurisdictions, noting:

“All supervisory officers are to ensure immediate compliance within their formations. Failure to enforce this directive will attract appropriate accountability measures.”

Furthermore, he directed the Force Intelligence Department (FID) and the X-Squad to intensify monitoring of online platforms to identify and sanction officers whose conduct falls short of the professional standards expected of the Force.

“The Force Intelligence Department and the X-Squad are hereby directed to strengthen monitoring of social media platforms and ensure that erring personnel are promptly identified and disciplined,” he added.

Reaffirming the institution’s commitment to discipline and professionalism, the Nigeria Police Force said the move is aimed at safeguarding public trust and strengthening institutional integrity.

The Force assured Nigerians that it remains committed to responsible communication, internal discipline, and the protection of its operational credibility in line with its constitutional mandate.

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