The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has said the uniformed men seen scooping fuel from a fallen tanker in a viral video are not its members.
The Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that the video showed that the men spoke French and were uniformed personnel from a neighbouring francophone country whose camouflage uniforms resembled those of the Nigeria Police.
Part of the statement read, “The viral video circulating in the media depicting uniformed personnel in camouflage scooping fuel from the wreckage of an accident tanker was just released to discredit the Nigeria Police Force.
“I’d like to point out 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 the Nigeria Police. The captured officers spoke French, not Nigerian 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 undermine the force’s integrity and have far-reaching negative consequences for the nation and its people.”
The Force PRO further stated that 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 force’s reputation are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. 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,” ACP Adejobi stated.
