Viral video: Police react to uniformed men scooping fuel from crashed tanker

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted claims linking its officers to a viral video that appears to show uniformed personnel scooping fuel from a crashed tanker.

In a statement released on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified that the individuals featured in the footage were not Nigerian policemen.

Instead, he stated that they were uniformed personnel from a neighboring francophone country.

The NPF emphasized its commitment to professionalism and integrity, urging the public to verify information before making assumptions. The statement also reassured Nigerians of the police force’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of conduct.

“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. 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, not a Nigerian language or English,” the statement said.

The NPF condemned the spread of “disinformation and unverified content” that it said undermines the integrity of the force.

The statement emphasised that the Nigeria Police, under the Inspector-General of Police, remains steadfast in maintaining discipline, professionalism, and dedication to public safety.

“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 said.

The NPF urged Nigerians to verify the information before sharing it and called for caution to preserve national unity and uphold the credibility of institutions working for public safety.

“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 Force said.