The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rejected claims linking its officers to a viral video showing uniformed personnel scooping fuel from a crashed tanker, clarifying that the individuals in the footage are not Nigerian policemen.
The statement, issued on Monday by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, refuted the allegations and sought to address the misinformation circulating on social media.
The viral video, which has been widely shared across platforms, depicted individuals wearing camouflage uniforms in the process of extracting fuel from the wreckage of a tanker involved in an accident.
Many social media users initially assumed the personnel were members of the Nigeria Police Force, given the resemblance of their uniforms to those worn by Nigerian officers.
However, Adejobi clarified that the individuals in the video were not Nigerian police officers. Instead, they were uniformed personnel from a neighboring francophone country.
The officers in the video were speaking French, not any of Nigeria’s official languages such as English or the local Nigerian dialects, further distinguishing them from the NPF.
“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,” Adejobi said in the press statement.
“It is essential to clarify that the individuals in the video are not officers of the Nigeria Police Force. They are uniformed personnel from a neighbouring francophone country.”
The NPF strongly condemned the spread of the video and other unverified content, which it argued undermines the integrity of the police force.
According to Adejobi, such misinformation could have serious negative consequences, not only for the reputation of the police but also for the nation’s stability and unity.
The statement also emphasized the NPF’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and dedication to public safety.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains committed to upholding discipline, professionalism, and dedication to the safety and security of all Nigerians,” Adejobi stated.
The police force’s response comes at a time when the spread of fake news and disinformation has become an increasingly prevalent issue in Nigeria, often leading to confusion, panic, and misrepresentation.
The NPF has urged Nigerians to be cautious when sharing content on social media, reminding the public of the importance of verifying information before dissemination.
“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 concluded.
This clarification from the NPF aims to restore public confidence in the force, highlighting its ongoing commitment to integrity and the proper enforcement of law and order in the country.
