The Nigeria Police Force has stepped up enforcement of its social media policy, sanctioning at least 10 officers in the past one month over violations linked to online activities, PUNCH Metro has learnt.
Findings showed that the disciplinary actions ranged from dismissal and demotion to severe reprimand and demobilisation, following intensified monitoring of officers’ conduct on various social media platforms.
A senior police officer, who spoke with our correspondent on Tuesday on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak publicly, said the measures were part of ongoing efforts to uphold professionalism within the Force.
“The police authorities are closely monitoring social media platforms. Officers found to have violated the rules are identified and sanctioned accordingly.
“So far, no fewer than 10 officers have been punished.
One was dismissed, another demoted, while others received penalties ranging from severe reprimand to demobilisation,” the source said.
The source disclosed that one of the most recent cases involved a female officer, Anemena Favour, who was demoted from Sergeant to Corporal after conducting a live broadcast on TikTok while wearing police uniform.
Favour, with force number 068919 and attached to the Special Protection Unit Base 25, Asaba, Delta State, was found guilty of discreditable conduct and disobedience to lawful orders.
“She was convicted under Paragraphs E(iii) and F of Police Regulation 370, Act 2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2020, and was immediately reduced in rank.
“The decision followed the review of orderly-room proceedings by the Department of Finance and Administration at the Force Headquarters in Abuja,” the source added.
Another police source explained that officers handed severe reprimands would be barred from promotions and certain entitlements for six months.
“Such officers also lose any additional benefits that may arise within the period. Prior to this, the Force had consistently sensitised personnel on the social media policy, especially through training at police colleges, to curb future violations,” the source said.
A copy of the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy obtained by PUNCH Metro warns against unauthorised use of social media by officers, allowing limited exceptions based on rank and official responsibilities.
The policy, which contains 18 sections, permits officers and auxiliary staff to operate social media accounts, subject to strict rules and restrictions.
It specifically prohibits personnel from identifying themselves as police officers on social media, directly or indirectly, except where expressly authorised.
“For the purpose of this policy, only the Inspector-General of Police; Zonal Command Assistant Inspectors-General and State Commissioners of Police; the Force Public Relations Officer; Zonal and State Police Public Relations Officers; PPROs of training institutions and formations; and the officer in charge of the Complaint Response Unit are permitted to fully identify themselves and use police uniforms, ranks, logos and insignia on social media,” the document stated.
Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful as calls to his lines were not answered, while a text message sent to him had not been replied to as of the time of filing this report.
Attempts to contact the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, also proved unsuccessful.
The online conduct of police officers has continued to attract scrutiny, with viral videos and live broadcasts involving officers in uniform often sparking public debate and resulting in disciplinary actions by the Force.