The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed allegations connecting its officers to a viral video that shows uniformed personnel collecting fuel from a crashed tanker.
In a press release on Monday, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified that those featured in the footage are not members of the NPF but personnel from a neighbouring francophone country.
“The viral video circulating in the media that depicts uniformed personnel in camouflage scooping fuel from the wreckage of an accident tanker was just released to discredit the Nigeria Police Force. It is essential to clarify that the individuals in the video are not officers of the Nigeria Police Force,” Adejobi stated.
He explained that the uniforms worn by the individuals resemble those of the NPF but noted a critical distinction; the officers in the video were speaking French rather than English or any Nigerian language.
“They are uniformed personnel from a neighbouring francophone country whose camouflage uniforms bear a resemblance to the Nigeria Police’s. The captured officers were speaking in French, not a Nigerian language or English,” the statement emphasized.
The NPF condemned what it described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the force.
Adejobi reiterated the NPF’s commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and public safety under the Inspector-General of Police’s leadership.
“We strongly condemn the spread of such disinformation and unverified news and contents aimed at tarnishing or discrediting the image of the Nigeria Police Force. Such actions not only undermine the integrity of the force but also have far-reaching negative consequences for the nation and its people,” Adejobi said.
He further stressed that any attempts to damage the reputation of the NPF would not be tolerated, highlighting the force’s dedication to discipline and public security.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the IGP, remains committed to upholding discipline, professionalism, and dedication to the safety and security of all Nigerians. Acts that compromise the reputation of the force are unequivocally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The NPF also urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, calling for caution to maintain national unity and the credibility of institutions committed to public safety.
“We urge all Nigerians to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it, to foster national unity and uphold the credibility of institutions working tirelessly for public safety,” the statement stressed.
