NPF cautions public against circulating old, misleading videos

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has raised concerns over the growing trend of recirculating old videos on social media, warning that the act is aimed at maligning the Force and undermining national security.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police described the circulation of outdated content as a deliberate attempt to portray the institution in a bad light and create unnecessary panic among citizens.

The Force noted that it is committed to building public trust and confidence, but expressed worry that the spread of false narratives through old videos could have serious implications for internal security.

Two specific cases were cited: the first involves a video of a Police Mobile Force (PMF) officer lamenting the alleged deplorable conditions faced by officers deployed to Yobe State. The NPF clarified that the video surfaced several years ago, and that the issues raised were duly addressed through administrative measures at the time. The recirculation of the video, according to the Police, is an orchestrated attempt to discredit the institution.

The second case pertains to an old video of an officer attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit, who alleged that banditry is politically motivated and that officers were being deployed without adequate ammunition. The Police disclosed that the matter was thoroughly investigated, the allegations were found to be false, and disciplinary action was taken against those responsible for spreading the misinformation.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, cautioned the public against falling for such misinformation and warned those behind the recirculation of the videos to desist, noting that their actions undermine public confidence in national security institutions.

The IGP emphasized that the Police leadership is actively working to improve officers’ welfare and operational efficiency, countering the false narratives being peddled through outdated videos.

He assured the public of the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating crime across the country and urged citizens to refrain from spreading information that could undermine the integrity of the Force.