The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has issued a sweeping directive banning serving officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorised content creation on social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and other related platforms.
The directive prohibits officers from creating, posting, or monetising videos, skits, live streams, or any other form of online content that identifies them as members of the Nigeria Police Force without official approval.
The development was contained in an internal circular dated June 22, 2026, and marked “Restricted – For Official Use Only,” which has now been circulated to senior police formations nationwide.
According to the document, the ban follows concerns over what the Force described as a “growing and most disturbing trend” of officers using social media for entertainment, self-promotion, and commercial gain while in uniform or identifying as police personnel.
The circular stated: “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.”
It further warned that officers are prohibited from operating personal or anonymous accounts for content creation, entertainment, brand promotion, or monetisation where such activities are linked to their status as police personnel.
The circular noted that officers had been “producing and posting videos of themselves in police uniform on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and other platforms for entertainment, personal promotion and financial gain,” as well as engaging in other conduct deemed unbecoming.
The IGP also barred officers from publicly commenting on police operations, internal disciplinary matters, investigations, transfers, or other sensitive security issues without authorisation.
It stated that officers were “publicly commenting on official police operations, disciplinary matters, internal affairs and national security issues without authorisation,” a practice the Force said undermines discipline and institutional integrity.
In one of the strongest provisions of the directive, the Force warned that violations would attract strict disciplinary actions, including immediate interdiction, salary forfeiture, demotion, dismissal from service, and possible prosecution under relevant laws.
The circular also introduced supervisory accountability, stating that senior officers, including Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Divisional Police Officers, (DPOs)would be held responsible for failing to prevent or report violations by personnel under their command.
It added that supervisory officers who fail in their duties would be deemed to have breached their responsibilities, as the Force moves to enforce stricter compliance across all formations.
The Police Force said the move is aimed at restoring discipline, professionalism, and public trust, stressing that officers must prioritise operational duties over online entertainment or commercial content creation.
The directive takes immediate effect nationwide.
