Nigeria Police Warns Against Recycling Old Videos, Says Actions Threatening National Security
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has expressed concerns over the growing trend of recirculating outdated videos and content on social media space.
The force said such actions are not only damaging to the Force, but also pose a threat to national security.
A statement released on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, condemned thel resurgence of old videos portraying the Police in a negative light, noting hat the clips are being weaponised to erode public confidence and sow distrust in the institution.
“The Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the current trend of recirculating old videos on the media space to malign the Police and undermine national security,” the statement read.
“The NPF is currently working hard to build trust and confidence of the people, but this trend of reposting old videos portraying the present NPF negatively and spreading falsehood have serious implications to internal security.”
Two notable videos were cited in the statement. One featured a Police Mobile Force (PMF) officer lamenting poor welfare conditions in Yobe State.
The NPF clarified that the video dates back several years and that the issues raised had since been addressed through administrative interventions.
“The recirculation of this video at this time is a deliberate attempt to bring the institution into disrepute and create panic in the minds of average Nigerians,” said Adejobi.
The second video involved a Counter Terrorism Unit officer allegedly claiming that the fight against banditry is politically motivated and that officers are sent to volatile regions without adequate arms or support.
According to the police, those claims were thoroughly investigated and found to be false. The officers involved were reportedly disciplined for spreading misinformation.
“The NPF categorically refutes and distances itself from the content of this video as it does not conform with the realities in the present Police Force,” the statement added.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist the urge to share misleading content online.
“Members of the public must be wary of the deliberate spread of falsehood to create tension amongst citizens and ridicule the Police institution,” the IGP stated.
“We urge mischief makers to desist from such acts, as they undermine public confidence in our national security institutions.”
IGP Egbetokun emphasised that the police fforce is undergoing internal reforms to improve officers’ welfare and boost operational capacity.
He reassured Nigerians of the police’s dedication to maintaining peace and combating all forms of crime across the country.
“The leadership of the Nigeria Police Force is committed to improving welfare and operational efficiency,” he affirmed.
“Contrary to the false narrative contained in the old videos, the Force is advancing and becoming more responsive to the needs of the public and its personnel.”