A viral video showing some officers scooping fuel from a damaged tanker caused a stir on social media, leading many Nigerians to believe that the officers were part of the Nigeria Police Force. However, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has come forward to clarify the situation.
In a statement released today, Adejobi explained that the officers seen in the video are not Nigerian police officers. He revealed that they are security personnel from a neighboring francophone country, not from Nigeria.
The officers were wearing camouflage uniforms similar to those of the Nigerian police. However, Adejobi pointed out that they were speaking French, which is not a language used by Nigerian police officers. This language difference, along with the uniform confusion, was key in identifying them as officers from a different country.
The video had sparked outrage online, with many people criticizing the police for being involved in such an act. However, with Adejobi’s clarification, it’s clear that these officers were not affiliated with the Nigerian Police Force.
‘’The viral video circulating in the media that depicts uniformed personnel in camouflage scooping fuel from the wreckage of an accidented 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. 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. 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.”
