The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted allegations connecting its officers to a viral video showing uniformed personnel scooping fuel from a crashed tanker.
In a statement released on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified that the individuals in the footage are not Nigerian police officers but uniformed personnel from a neighboring francophone country.
“The viral video circulating in the media depicting uniformed personnel in camouflage scooping fuel from the wreckage of an accident tanker is misleading and intended to discredit the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement read. “The individuals in the video are not officers of the Nigeria Police Force. They are uniformed personnel from a neighboring francophone country, and their camouflage uniforms only resemble those of the Nigeria Police. The officers in the video were speaking French, not English or any Nigerian language.”
Disinformation Condemned
The NPF condemned the dissemination of “disinformation and unverified content” aimed at tarnishing the force’s reputation. ACP Adejobi emphasized that the Nigeria Police, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains dedicated to professionalism, discipline, and the safety of Nigerians.
“We strongly condemn the spread of such disinformation and unverified news, which undermines the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force. Such actions not only harm the image of the force but also negatively impact the nation and its citizens,” Adejobi stated.
Call for Responsible Information Sharing
The police urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, stressing the importance of fostering unity and maintaining the credibility of institutions working for public safety.
“We call on all Nigerians to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it to promote national unity and support the credibility of institutions dedicated to public safety,” the statement concluded.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and professionalism, vowing to address any actions that compromise its integrity.
