The Nigeria Police Force has sanctioned at least 10 officers in the past month for violating its social media policy, with penalties ranging from dismissal to demotion.
A senior police source told The PUNCH on Tuesday that the Force has intensified surveillance of officers’ activities on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
“The Force is actively monitoring social media platforms and identifying erring officers who are being sanctioned accordingly. So far, 10 officers have been punished. One officer was dismissed, another was reduced in rank, while others received punishments ranging from severe reprimand to demobilisation,” the source disclosed.
One notable case involved a female officer, Sergeant Anemena Favour, attached to the Special Protection Unit in Asaba, Delta State. She was demoted to the rank of Corporal after conducting a live TikTok broadcast while in uniform. She was found guilty of discreditable conduct and disobedience of lawful orders under the Police Regulations.
Officers who receive a severe reprimand will be ineligible for promotions or certain benefits for six months, according to the source.
The Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy, seen by our correspondent, strictly regulates officers’ online presence. It prohibits most personnel from identifying as police officers on their personal accounts. Only top commanders and authorized Public Relations Officers are permitted to use police uniforms, ranks, and insignia on their social media handles.
Efforts to get official comments from the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, and the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.
