IGP bans officers from TikTok, Facebook content creation

Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has issued a stringent directive prohibiting police officers from creating or monetizing content on social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The ban specifically targets content where officers identify themselves as members of the Nigeria Police Force. Violators risk severe sanctions, including dismissal, demotion, forfeiture of salary, and possible prosecution.

An internal police circular, dated Monday, states that the directive applies to all police formations and commands nationwide. The IGP's Principal Staff Officer, who signed the circular, described the increasing involvement of officers in social media content creation as a "disturbing trend" that could undermine the force's image and operational effectiveness. The ban prohibits officers from creating, publishing, or sharing videos, photographs, skits, or live streams while in police uniform or on police premises without explicit written approval from the IGP or an authorized representative.

Furthermore, officers are barred from operating personal or anonymous social media accounts for entertainment, brand promotion, or commercial activities linked to their police status. They are also forbidden from publicly commenting on police investigations, disciplinary matters, deployments, or other official issues. The IGP also directed that officers must not accept sponsorships, endorsement deals, or monetization arrangements derived from content that exploits their identity as police officers.

IGP Disu warned that non-compliant officers could face immediate interdiction and potential prosecution under relevant criminal or cybercrime laws. The directive also establishes a supervisory accountability framework, holding commissioners of police, area commanders, and divisional police officers responsible for monitoring and disciplining subordinates who violate the policy. State commissioners have been given seven days to disseminate the order and 14 days to submit compliance reports.

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The Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution whose effectiveness depends on public trust, institutional integrity, and the professional conduct of every officer.