The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has responded to claims connecting its officers to a viral video that shows uniformed men scooping fuel from the wreckage of a crashed tanker. The force categorically denied any involvement and clarified that the individuals seen in the footage were not Nigerian policemen.

In a statement released on Monday, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, explained that the men in the video were not part of the Nigeria Police Force but were instead uniformed personnel from a neighboring francophone country. He pointed out that their camouflage uniforms, while similar to those worn by the Nigerian Police, were different in key ways, and the language spoken by the individuals in the video was French, not any Nigerian language or English.

“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,” the statement said. “It is essential to clarify that the individuals in the video are not officers of the Nigeria Police Force.”

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The NPF strongly condemned the spread of misleading and unverified information that it said seeks to tarnish the reputation of the force. Adejobi emphasized that the police remain dedicated to maintaining discipline and professionalism under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

“We strongly condemn the spread of such disinformation and unverified news,” Adejobi added. “Such actions not only undermine the integrity of the force but also have far-reaching negative consequences for the nation and its people.”

The police force also urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it and to be cautious in order to preserve national unity and uphold the credibility of institutions working to ensure 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 NPF concluded.