IGP to Nigerians: Stop reporting police misconduct on social media
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has advised Nigerians to avoid using social media to report misconduct by police officers.
Instead, he encouraged citizens to channel such complaints through the Police Complaints Response Unit for proper handling.
Speaking at the PPROs/Police Communication Experts’ Conference in Asaba, Delta State, on Monday, Egbetokun emphasised that addressing grievances on social media often leads to the spread of misinformation and can damage the reputation of the police force.
“We appeal to the public not to resort to social media when reporting the conduct of police officers but rather use the Police Complaints Response Unit,” Egbetokun said, highlighting that this approach ensures a more structured and accountable process for resolving issues.
While acknowledging the significant role social media plays in shaping public opinion, the IGP cautioned against the dangers of sharing unverified information, which could lead to misconceptions.
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Egbetokun also reiterated the police force’s commitment to transparency and accountability and underscored the importance of the media as a vital partner in fostering trust and cooperation.
“I’m glad to address the PPROs/Police Communication Experts’ Conference. I thank the governor for hosting this conference. This conference is part of police reform, aimed at building trust and respect, which will, in turn, help us gain public trust,” he added.
Meanwhile, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who opened the conference, also shared his insights on the challenges of policing in states like Delta and Lagos, pointing out the importance of countering misinformation and fostering effective communication between the police and the public.
“I want to thank the IGP for his good work,” Oborevwori said.
“As an officer who served in Lagos as CP, he is capable of policing Nigeria. Delta and Lagos States are very tough states to police; therefore, any officer who served in Delta or Lagos as CP will police Nigeria well,” he added.
Both the IGP and the governor underscored the need for public engagement, highlighting the role of Police Public Relations Officers in addressing misconceptions and showcasing the positive work of the police.
