The Nigeria Police Force has sanctioned at least 10 officers within the past month for violating its social media policy, with punishments ranging from dismissal and demotion to severe reprimand. This crackdown follows heightened surveillance of officers' activities on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
A senior police source disclosed that one officer was dismissed, another was reduced in rank, while others received severe reprimands or were demobilized. A notable case involved a female officer, Sergeant Anemena Favour, who was demoted to Corporal for conducting a live broadcast on TikTok while in police uniform.
Favour, attached to the Special Protection Unit in Asaba, Delta State, was found guilty of discreditable conduct and disobedience of lawful orders under the Police Regulations. Her orderly-room proceeding was reviewed and upheld by the Department of Finance and Administration at Force Headquarters.
Officers who receive severe reprimands face a six-month ineligibility for promotions and forfeit certain benefits. The police have been sensitizing personnel to the social media policy, which strictly prohibits unauthorized personnel from identifying as police officers online.
The policy only permits top commanders and designated spokespersons to fully identify themselves and use police insignia on their social media handles. This enforcement drive aims to curb unprofessional conduct that could damage the force's image and compromise security.
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