IGP Disu Bans Police Officers From Using TikTok, Facebook, Other, Threatens Dismissal

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has barred serving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorised social media activities, including creating videos, live streaming, posting skits and monetising content while in police uniform or in circumstances that identify them as officers.

The directive, contained in an internal circular dated June 22, 2026, warned that erring officers could face severe sanctions ranging from interdiction and salary forfeiture to demotion, dismissal and possible criminal prosecution.

The circular, marked "Restricted – For Official Use Only" and signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police, was addressed to all senior police officers, including Heads of Departments at the Force Headquarters, Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, the Commandant of the Police Mobile Force and commanders of formations and units across the country.

According to the document, the police hierarchy has become increasingly concerned about what it described as a disturbing trend of officers using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for personal and commercial purposes.

"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 stated.

The police leadership noted that several officers across different ranks had turned social media into platforms for entertainment, self-promotion and financial gain, with some producing content in police uniforms and operating online accounts that could bring the Force into disrepute.

The circular also accused some officers of publicly commenting on police operations, disciplinary matters, internal affairs and national security issues without authorisation, while others were allegedly seeking to become full-time content creators despite remaining in active service.

The directive reminded personnel that their conduct is regulated by several legal instruments, including the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy, the Police Regulations, the Police Service Commission's disciplinary guidelines and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

It stressed that these regulations prohibit officers from making unauthorised public statements, granting interviews without approval, posting non-official content in police uniform or engaging in online activities capable of embarrassing or compromising the Force.

Consequently, the IGP ordered an immediate ban on the creation or sharing of videos, photographs, skits, live streams and other forms of content in police uniforms or within police facilities without express written approval from the Inspector-General or his authorised representative.

The directive further prohibited officers from operating personal or anonymous social media accounts for entertainment, brand promotion or commercial purposes where such activities exploit their identity as police personnel.

Officers were also barred from commenting publicly on investigations, transfers, promotions, disciplinary proceedings or any official police matters, accepting sponsorships and endorsement deals linked to their status as police officers, disclosing sensitive operational information, and making statements on political issues or public controversies in a manner connected to their roles in the Force.

In a significant development, the circular introduced the principle of vicarious liability, making senior officers accountable for violations committed by personnel under their supervision.

It stated that Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners, Divisional Police Officers and other supervisory officers have a responsibility to monitor the online activities of officers under their command and take immediate action against violators.

The document warned that disciplinary proceedings could be initiated simultaneously against both an offending officer and a supervising officer if it is established that the superior officer knew, or ought reasonably to have known, about the misconduct but failed to act.

The circular directed Commissioners of Police to communicate the order formally to all personnel and submit evidence of dissemination, including attendance registers and acknowledgement forms, to the Force Secretary within 30 days.

It also required all state police commands to issue similar directives within seven days and ensure that every officer signs an acknowledgement confirming receipt and understanding of the policy.

Within 14 days, Commissioners of Police are expected to submit written compliance reports to the Inspector-General through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, detailing the number of officers notified, sanctions imposed on violators and measures introduced to ensure continuous supervision.

The police chief further instructed the Force Intelligence Bureau and the Professional Standards Department (X-Squad) to actively monitor social media platforms and identify officers who breach the new regulations.

The circular added that any serving officer currently operating a content creation account linked to his or her identity as a police officer must, within 14 days, either deactivate the account or completely dissociate it from their police status and report compliance to their supervising officer.

Reaffirming the rationale behind the directive, the Inspector-General stated: "The Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution whose effectiveness depends on public trust, institutional integrity, and the professional conduct of every officer. The Inspector-General of Police is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and will not tolerate conduct that undermines the image and operational effectiveness of the Force."

The circular directed all Commissioners of Police and Heads of Departments to treat the matter as one of "HIGH PRIORITY" and ensure immediate and strict compliance nationwide, adding that the new directive supersedes all previous informal communications on the issue.