Egbetokun warns pubic against spreading falsehoods to discredit Police

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to members of the public over the deliberate dissemination of falsehoods aimed at creating public unrest, discrediting the Nigeria Police Force, and undermining national security.

The caution was contained in a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

According to the statement, the Nigeria Police Force is alarmed by the growing trend of recirculating outdated video clips on various media platforms, a move seen as an intentional effort to portray the Force in a negative light and sow distrust among citizens.

The Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the current trend of recirculating old videos in the media space to malign the Force and undermine national security,” the statement read.

It noted that despite several previous warnings, the act persists, potentially endangering internal peace and public confidence.

Highlighting specific instances, the statement referenced a resurfaced video of a Police Mobile Force officer complaining about alleged poor conditions while on duty in Yobe State. The Force clarified that the video was recorded several years ago, and the issues raised were addressed administratively at the time.

The recirculation of this video at this time is a deliberate attempt to bring the institution into disrepute and create panic,” it stated.

Another clip referenced in the statement involved an officer from the Counter Terrorism Unit allegedly accusing the government of neglect and political interference in the fight against banditry.

The statement explained that this video was also an old recording, and investigations had since revealed the claims to be false. Disciplinary measures were reportedly taken against the officer involved.

The Police Force emphasised that such content no longer reflects the present realities within the organisation. “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 IGP reiterated that significant strides are being made to improve the welfare of officers and the operational effectiveness of the Force. He also reassured the public of the Police’s unwavering commitment to combating crime across the nation.

The IGP urged citizens to refrain from sharing false or misleading content that could jeopardise public trust and national cohesion, stating that such actions only serve to undermine the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force