IGP Bans Police Officers from Social Media, Threatens Dismissal

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu

IGP Bans Police Officers from Social Media, Threatens Dismissal

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a sweeping directive banning all serving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorised social media activities, warning that violators risk dismissal, demotion, salary forfeiture and possible prosecution.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a sweeping directive banning all serving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorised social media activities, warning that violators risk dismissal, demotion, salary forfeiture and possible prosecution. The directive affects officers using platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and other social media channels for content creation while identifying as members of the police force. The order was contained in an internal circular dated June 22, 2026, marked “Restricted – For Official Use Only,” and addressed to senior police authorities nationwide, including zonal Assistant Inspectors-General, Commissioners of Police, commanders of the Police Mobile Force and other units. The circular, referenced SB:4065/IGP.SEC/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/11, was issued from the Office of the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja.

According to the circular, the Force has observed an increasing trend of officers creating and publishing videos, conducting live sessions, and engaging in monetised content creation while in uniform or in situations that identify them as police personnel. The police chief raised concern over what he described as the growing trend of officers using social media platforms for personal entertainment, self-promotion, and commercial activities without official authorisation. The directive noted that some officers have turned social media into a platform for skits, monetised content, brand promotions and public commentary on sensitive police matters, which undermines the integrity and discipline expected of law enforcement personnel.

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The directive specifically prohibits officers from posting skits, photographs, live streams or any form of content in police uniform or within police facilities without written approval. It also bars officers from operating personal or anonymous accounts for entertainment or commercial purposes where such accounts exploit their identity as law enforcement personnel. The ban further extends to public commentary on sensitive police matters, including operations, investigations, deployments, promotions and disciplinary issues. Under the new order, officers are also prohibited from accepting sponsorships, endorsement deals or monetisation arrangements linked to their status as police officers. The circular reminded officers that their conduct is regulated by existing laws and policies, including the Nigeria Police Act 2020, the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy, Police Regulations, Police Service Commission disciplinary regulations and the Cybercrime Act.

In a significant enforcement measure, the IGP introduced vicarious liability, making senior officers responsible for monitoring the online activities of personnel under their command. Commissioners of Police, DPOs and other supervisory officers who fail to detect or report violations may also face disciplinary action. The circular warned that any supervisor who fails to detect, report or address violations could face disciplinary action alongside the offending officer. Commands across the country have been directed to implement the policy immediately, issue internal directives within seven days, and ensure all officers sign acknowledgement forms confirming receipt and understanding of the order. Compliance reports are expected within 14 days, detailing enforcement actions and monitoring strategies. The reports are to be submitted through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations.

The Force Intelligence Bureau and the X-Squad (Professional Standards Unit) have been tasked with monitoring social media platforms to identify violators. Officers already operating accounts linked to their identity as police personnel have been given a 14-day ultimatum to deactivate such accounts or remove all references to the Nigeria Police Force. The directive states that sanctions will include interdiction, salary forfeiture, demotion, dismissal and possible prosecution, depending on the severity of the offence. According to the circular, “The Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution whose effectiveness depends on public trust, institutional integrity, and the professional conduct of every officer”. It added that the policy takes immediate effect nationwide as part of efforts to restore discipline, professionalism and public trust within the police force.

The directive comes less than a month after Disu cautioned content creators and members of the public against the indiscriminate recording and circulation of police-related videos. Speaking during an interactive session with crime correspondents in Abuja on May 31, 2026, the police chief said the recording and online publication of police operations without proper context could undermine security efforts and demoralise officers. The latest order also echoes a similar policy introduced by former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu on June 17, 2020, under which police personnel were prohibited from using photographs of themselves in uniform on personal social media accounts and from engaging in posts or discussions considered political, religious or capable of bringing the force into disrepute. That directive further barred most officers from identifying themselves as police personnel on social media, except designated spokespersons and senior officers authorised to speak on behalf of the force.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, issued a statement on Tuesday confirming the directive and quoted the IGP as emphasising that while social media remains an important tool for communication and public engagement, its use by serving officers must be guided by extant laws, regulations, and the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy. According to the statement, the IGP directed Commissioners of Police, Heads of Departments, Commanders, and other supervisory officers to immediately sensitise personnel under their commands and enforce strict adherence to the directive. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to discipline, professionalism, and responsible public communication, while assuring members of the public of its continued dedication to maintaining public trust and institutional integrity.