“Deactivate Your TikTok Accounts or Face Dismissal” — IGP Olatunji Disu Issues Tough Social Media Directive to Police Officers
By Peace Erewunmi
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has issued a nationwide directive prohibiting serving police officers from engaging in unauthorized social media activities while identifying themselves as members of the Nigeria Police Force.
The directive, contained in an internal circular dated June 22, 2026, specifically targets officers who create, publish, or monetize content on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media channels while using their status as police personnel.
According to the circular, officers are barred from posting videos, skits, photographs, live streams, or other content in police uniforms or on police premises without express authorization from the Inspector-General or designated authorities. The directive also prohibits officers from publicly commenting on police operations, investigations, disciplinary matters, or other official issues without approval.
The police leadership expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of officers using social media platforms for entertainment, self-promotion, and commercial activities that could undermine the image and professionalism of the Force.
As part of the new policy, officers currently operating content-creation accounts linked to their identity as police personnel have been directed to either deactivate such accounts or remove all associations with the Nigeria Police Force within a specified compliance period.
The circular warns that violations could attract severe disciplinary measures, including interdiction, forfeiture of salary, reduction in rank, dismissal from service, and possible prosecution under applicable laws where necessary.
The directive also places responsibility on senior officers, including Commissioners of Police and Divisional Police Officers, to monitor the online activities of personnel under their command. Supervisors who fail to enforce the policy may face disciplinary action alongside offending officers.
The Nigeria Police Force stated that the policy is intended to strengthen professionalism, protect institutional integrity, and maintain public confidence in law enforcement operations across the country.
Implementation of the directive has reportedly commenced nationwide, with commands instructed to sensitize officers and submit compliance reports within the timelines specified by the Force Headquarters.
