The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of recirculating old videos on social media aimed at tarnishing the image of the Police institution and undermining national security. In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF emphasized that it has on several occasions cautioned against such acts of mischief designed to portray the Police in a bad light.
According to the statement, while the NPF is actively working to build public trust and confidence, the continued reposting of outdated videos falsely depicting present-day situations within the Force has serious implications for internal security and public order. The Force cited two specific cases currently making rounds online, the first being a video of a Police Mobile Force (PMF) officer lamenting the alleged poor conditions of officers deployed to Yobe State.
The NPF clarified that this video originated several years ago, and the concerns raised at the time were duly addressed through appropriate administrative actions. The Force described the recirculation of the video as a deliberate attempt to discredit the institution and incite public fear. The second incident involved a resurfaced video in which an officer attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit made claims that banditry is politically motivated, alleging that officers were being sent to the frontlines without proper ammunition.
The Nigeria Police Force categorically distance itself from the contents of these videos, affirming that they don’t reflect the realities within the Force today. Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, strongly cautioned the public to be vigilant against the spread of misinformation aimed at causing unnecessary tension and undermining the credibility of national security institutions. He further warned individuals engaging in such acts to desist immediately.
Is the police force not aware that Social media can not forget? It may be old to some of you, but for some Nigerians, they may be seeing it for the first time. Treat your people well so that they will not complain! The other day, there was a video from China, where a Nigerian lady was lamenting that a video was circulating over there, where the same police officers from here were lined up and were receiving cash donations from some Chinese men.