From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Police Force Headquarters in Abuja has debunked claims linking its personnel to a viral video showing uniformed officers scooping fuel from a crashed tanker.
Force Public Relations Officer Olumiyiwa Adejobi clarified that the personnel in the video are from a neighbouring francophone country, whose camouflage uniforms resemble those of the Nigeria Police. He also noted that the officers were speaking French, not any Nigerian language or English.
In a statement, Adejobi said: “The viral video circulating in the media depicting uniformed personnel scooping fuel from a crashed tanker was released to discredit the Nigeria Police Force. It is important 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 whose camouflage uniforms resemble those of the Nigeria Police. The officers were speaking French, not a Nigerian language or English.”
Adejobi strongly condemned the spread of such disinformation, warning that it could tarnish the reputation 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,” he added.
He reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding discipline, professionalism, and the safety of all Nigerians. “Acts that compromise the reputation of the force are unequivocally unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Adejobi said. He urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it to help preserve national unity and the credibility of institutions dedicated to public safety.