The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media showing supposed police personnel in camouflage uniform scooping petrol from a truck involved in an accident.
According to the police, the video was published with intent to defame the Nigeria Police Force.
The footage, which appeared two years after the incident in November 2022, sparked reactions from Nigerians who criticised the police for engaging in conduct that could result in loss of life.
In a statement released on Monday, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the individuals in the video are not officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
The statement read: “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 languages, not a Nigerian language or English.
“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.
“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.”
Adejobi urged the public to seek clarifications before sharing specific information online in order not to discredit public institutions.
“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 stated.
VIDEO: Nigeria Police Disown Uniformed Men Scooping Petrol From Fallen Tanker is first published on The Whistler Newspaper