IGP Disu Bans Police Social Media Content Creation, Orders Tough Sanctions

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has banned serving officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorised social media activities, including creating content, live streaming, skit-making and monetising posts on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

The directive, contained in an internal circular dated June 22, 2026, warned that officers who violate the order risk severe disciplinary measures, including interdiction, salary forfeiture, demotion, dismissal from service and possible prosecution under relevant laws.

The circular, marked “Restricted – For Official Use Only” and 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, and addressed to senior police leadership across formations nationwide.

It was sent to Heads of Departments at Force Headquarters, Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, the FCT Command, Police Mobile Force leadership and other tactical commanders.

According to the document, the police leadership expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of officers using social media platforms in ways that compromise the image and discipline of the Force.

The circular stated that some personnel had been creating and sharing videos in uniform, conducting live sessions and engaging in online entertainment and monetisation without official approval.

“I am directed by the Inspector-General of Police to draw the attention of all Commands, Formations, Departments and Units to the growing and most disturbing trend of police officers and men creating and publishing videos, conducting live sessions, and participating in social media platforms particularly TikTok, Instagram Reels, Facebook Live, YouTube, and similar platforms while in police uniform or in circumstances that identify them as members of the Nigeria Police Force, without lawful authority,” the circular read.

It further noted that some officers had turned their official identity into a tool for entertainment, self-promotion and financial gain, an action the Force described as unacceptable and capable of undermining public trust.

The document also highlighted cases where officers operated personal or anonymous accounts, commented on police operations and internal matters without clearance, and in some instances pursued full-time influencer careers while still in service.

Under the new directive, officers are now prohibited from creating or sharing any form of digital content in uniform or within police premises without written approval from the IGP or an authorised representative.

They are also barred from running personal or anonymous accounts for entertainment or commercial purposes where their identity as police officers is referenced or implied.

In addition, officers are forbidden from commenting publicly on investigations, postings, promotions, disciplinary cases or any official internal police matters.

The circular also prohibits monetisation activities, sponsorship deals and brand partnerships tied to an officer’s status in the Force, as well as the sharing of sensitive operational information or political commentary linked to their role.

The IGP introduced strict supervisory accountability, stating that senior officers will now bear responsibility for violations committed under their command.

Under the principle of vicarious liability, Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners and Divisional Police Officers are required to monitor the online conduct of their subordinates and ensure compliance with the directive.

The circular warned that supervisors who fail to act on known violations may face disciplinary measures alongside offending officers.

It directed all Commissioners of Police to disseminate the order across their commands and submit evidence of compliance within 30 days, including attendance records and signed acknowledgements from officers.

Commands are also expected to issue internal directives within seven days, while compliance reports must be submitted within 14 days through appropriate channels.

The directive further ordered the Force Intelligence Bureau and the X-Squad to monitor social media platforms and track officers involved in unauthorised content creation.

Officers currently operating content accounts linked to their identity were given 14 days to deactivate such platforms or remove any reference to the Nigeria Police Force.

The circular stated that the Nigeria Police Force “is a disciplined institution whose effectiveness depends on public trust, institutional integrity, and the professional conduct of every officer,” adding that misconduct that undermines the Force’s image would not be tolerated.

The IGP said the directive supersedes all previous informal communications on the issue and must be treated as a matter of urgent compliance across all formations.