IGP Bans Police Officers from TikTok, Facebook, Other Social Media Activities Without Approval

The Inspector-General of Police, , has prohibited serving officers of the Nigeria Police Force from engaging in unauthorised social media activities, warning that violators risk severe disciplinary measures including dismissal from service.

The directive, contained in an internal circular dated June 22, 2026, restricts officers from creating or publishing content on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and other social media channels while in uniform, within police facilities or in circumstances that identify them as members of the Force without official approval.

The circular, marked “Restricted – For Official Use Only,” was addressed to senior police officers nationwide, including Heads of Departments, Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, the FCT Commissioner of Police and commanders of various police formations.

The IGP expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of officers using social media for entertainment, personal publicity, commercial activities and commentary on sensitive police issues.

According to the directive, some officers have been involved in creating skits, conducting live broadcasts, promoting brands and sharing content that associates them directly with the Nigeria Police Force without authorisation.

The Force stated that officers are now prohibited from posting videos, photographs, live streams or other forms of content in police uniform or from police premises without written permission.

The directive also bars officers from operating personal or anonymous accounts for entertainment, content creation or commercial purposes where such activities exploit their official identity as police personnel.

Officers have equally been warned against making public comments on police operations, investigations, transfers, promotions, disciplinary matters and other official issues.

The new policy also prohibits officers from accepting sponsorships, endorsement deals or business partnerships linked to their status as members of the Force.

The IGP further warned against the disclosure of classified or sensitive information relating to police deployments, operational strategies, personnel records and security matters.

Under the new arrangement, senior police officers will also be held responsible for violations committed by officers under their supervision.

Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners, Divisional Police Officers and other supervisory officers are expected to monitor compliance and report breaches.

The directive introduced the principle of supervisory responsibility, meaning both the offending officer and the superior officer found negligent may face disciplinary action.

All police commands have been directed to communicate the policy to their personnel immediately, while officers are required to sign acknowledgement forms confirming that they understand the directive.

The Force expects compliance reports from commands within 14 days, detailing officers informed of the directive, measures taken and strategies adopted to ensure enforcement.

The Force Intelligence Bureau and the Professional Standards Department have been assigned to monitor social media platforms and identify officers who violate the new rules.

Officers currently operating content creation accounts connected to their police identity have been given 14 days to either deactivate the accounts or remove any association with the Nigeria Police Force.

The IGP warned that sanctions for violations would include interdiction, salary forfeiture during investigations, demotion, dismissal from service and possible criminal prosecution where applicable.

“The Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution whose effectiveness depends on public trust, institutional integrity and the professional conduct of every officer,” the circular stated.

The directive takes immediate effect nationwide, with all commands instructed to treat the matter as a priority.