Daily Justice

Abuja, 23 April 2025 – The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has expressed alarm over the recirculation of videos, which it labels as old, being shared on social media to damage its reputation and fuel tensions that threaten national security. While the NPF claims these videos depict outdated events, it has not denied the factual accuracy of their content, raising questions about unresolved issues within the force.

In a press release by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF highlighted two videos it refers to as old. The first features a Police Mobile Force (PMF) officer lamenting alleged deplorable conditions faced by officers deployed to Yobe State. The force stated that this video, described as having surfaced years ago, was addressed through administrative measures at the time. However, the NPF did not dispute the truth of the conditions described, focusing solely on its characterisation as an old video.

The second video shows an officer from the Counter Terrorism Unit alleging that banditry is politically motivated and that officers are sent to conflict zones without adequate ammunition. The NPF claimed these allegations were investigated and found to be false, with disciplinary action taken against the officers involved. Yet, the force did not explicitly deny the substance of the claims, emphasising only its designation of the video as old and its potential to mislead the public.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, condemned the actions of “mischief makers” spreading these videos, warning that they erode public confidence in national security institutions and could incite unrest. He urged Nigerians to avoid sharing unverified content that sows division and discredits the police.

The NPF underscored ongoing efforts to improve officers’ welfare and operational efficiency, countering what it called false narratives in the videos. However, its failure to refute the core claims has left room for speculation about persistent challenges within the force.

IGP Egbetokun reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to combating crime across Nigeria and called on the public to refrain from spreading content that undermines the force’s integrity. The police appealed for unity in supporting their efforts to maintain peace and security while striving to build trust with citizens.