The directive, contained in an internal circular dated June 22, 2026, warned that officers who violate the order could face severe disciplinary actions, including interdiction, salary forfeiture, demotion, dismissal from service and possible criminal prosecution.
The circular, referenced SB:4065/IGP.SEC/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/11 and marked “Restricted – For Official Use Only,” was signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police and distributed to senior police officers and commanders across the country.
According to the document, the police leadership expressed concern over what it described as the increasing trend of officers using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for personal promotion, entertainment and commercial activities while identifying themselves as members of the Force.
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.”
The Force noted that some officers had been using social media platforms for personal branding and financial gain, while others publicly commented on police operations, disciplinary matters, internal affairs and national security issues without authorisation.
Among the activities highlighted in the circular were: “producing and posting videos of themselves in police uniform on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and other platforms for entertainment, personal promotion and financial gain.
“Operating social media accounts under their real names or pseudonyms in ways capable of bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.
“Publicly commenting on official police operations, disciplinary matters, internal affairs and national security issues without authorisation.
“Aspiring to become full-time social media content creators while still serving in the Force and making statements and sharing opinions on sensitive issues that undermine public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.”
The police hierarchy reminded officers that their conduct on social media is already regulated by existing laws and policies, including the Nigeria Police Act 2020, the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy, the Nigeria Police Force Regulations, Police Service Commission disciplinary regulations and the Cybercrime Act.
Under the new directive, officers are prohibited from creating or sharing videos, photographs, skits, live streams or similar content in police uniform or within police facilities without written approval from the Inspector-General of Police or an authorised representative.
The order also bars officers from operating personal or anonymous accounts for content creation, entertainment, commercial promotion or brand endorsements where such activities exploit their status as police personnel.
In addition, police personnel are forbidden from publicly discussing investigations, postings, promotions, transfers, disciplinary proceedings or any official police matter. They are also prohibited from accepting sponsorships, endorsement deals or monetisation arrangements linked to their identities as officers.
The directive further warned against the disclosure of classified or sensitive information relating to police operations, deployments, personnel and strategies, as well as public comments on political issues, government policies and controversial national matters in a manner connected to police service.
A major aspect of the directive places responsibility on supervising officers to ensure compliance. Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners, Divisional Police Officers and other commanders are expected to actively monitor the social media activities of personnel under their supervision.
The circular stated that supervisors who fail to detect, report or address violations could face disciplinary measures alongside offending officers. It added that disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against both parties where it is established that a superior officer knew, or ought reasonably to have known, about the misconduct but failed to take action.
State Commissioners of Police were directed to communicate the order to all officers within their commands and provide evidence of dissemination, including attendance records and acknowledgement forms, to the Force Secretary within 30 days.
The directive also requires all serving officers to acknowledge receipt and understanding of the order in writing, while Commissioners of Police must submit compliance reports through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations within 14 days.