Nigeria Police Refutes Viral Video Alleging Fuel Theft by Officers
By DAYO ADESULU
Nigeria Police Debunks Viral Video Allegations
The Nigeria Police has officially dismissed claims circulating in a viral video that purportedly shows uniformed personnel siphoning fuel from an overturned petrol tanker. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified in a statement on Tuesday that the officers seen in the footage are not members of the Nigeria Police but rather personnel from a neighboring Francophone country.
Nigeria Police Denies Allegations of Fuel Theft
Adejobi described the video as misleading and an attempt to discredit the Nigeria Police. He stated, “The viral video circulating in the media, which depicts uniformed personnel in camouflage scooping fuel from the wreckage of an accidented tanker, was just released to discredit the Nigeria Police Force.”
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He further explained that the uniformed men in the video were speaking French, not English or any Nigerian language, confirming that they were not officers of the Nigeria Police. According to him, the uniforms worn by the individuals bear a resemblance to those of the Police, which may have contributed to the misunderstanding.
Nigeria Police Condemns Fake News and Disinformation
The Police strongly condemned the dissemination of false information aimed at tarnishing the reputation of law enforcement in the country. Adejobi emphasized the dangers of spreading unverified content, stating, “Such actions not only undermine the integrity of the force but also have far-reaching negative consequences for the nation and its people.”
He reaffirmed that the Police, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), remains committed to professionalism, discipline, and ensuring public safety. The statement warned that any acts meant to discredit the force would not be tolerated.
Nigeria Police Urges Public to Verify Information Before Sharing
The Police urged citizens to be cautious when sharing information online. Adejobi advised Nigerians to verify the authenticity of any news before circulating it to avoid spreading misinformation.
“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,” Adejobi stated.
Nigeria Police’s Ongoing Commitment to Public Safety
Despite this incident, the Police continues to assure citizens of its commitment to maintaining law and order. The force remains dedicated to upholding professionalism and will not allow attempts to misrepresent its officers.
Functions of the Nigeria Police as Enshrined in the Constitution
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is the primary law enforcement agency in Nigeria, and its functions are enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Police Act of 2020. The key responsibilities of the Nigeria Police include maintaining law and order, crime prevention, and protecting lives and property.
According to Section 214 of the Nigerian Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is established to ensure national security. Furthermore, Section 4 of the Police Act 2020 outlines the specific functions of the police, which include:
- Crime Prevention and Investigation – The police are responsible for detecting, investigating, and preventing crimes within the country. They arrest offenders and ensure they are prosecuted according to the law.
- Protection of Lives and Property – The police are mandated to protect the lives and properties of Nigerian citizens and ensure public safety.
- Enforcement of Laws and Regulations – The Nigeria Police are tasked with enforcing all laws, whether federal, state, or local, including traffic and environmental laws.
- Maintenance of Public Order – The force is responsible for controlling riots, protests, and civil unrest to ensure peace and security across the country.
- Collaboration with Other Security Agencies – The police work alongside other security agencies, such as the military, DSS, and civil defense, to combat crime and ensure national security.
- Protection of Fundamental Human Rights – As part of democratic policing, the Nigeria Police must protect citizens’ rights while carrying out their duties, ensuring that arrests, detentions, and interrogations follow due process.
- Community Policing and Intelligence Gathering – With the introduction of community policing, the police work closely with local communities to gather intelligence and prevent criminal activities.
The Nigeria Police Force plays a crucial role in ensuring peace, security, and justice in the country, making it a vital institution in the Nigerian legal and security framework.
The statement concluded by urging social media users to refrain from sharing misleading content that could damage the reputation of security institutions.
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