Some Nigerians have knocked the Nigeria Police Force for refuting allegations linking its officers to a viral video showing uniformed personnel scooping fuel from a crashed tanker.
A viral video, less than a minute long, captured on Monday, shows a fuel-laden tanker overturned by the roadside, with individuals dressed in what appeared to be police uniforms seen scooping fuel.
The uniformed men were observed loading fuel-filled jerrycans onto a van parked near the rear of the overturned tanker.
While TheNigerian Metro could not confirm the time or location of the incident, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the event occurred outside Nigeria.
Adejobi further clarified that the individuals in the video were not members of the Nigeria Police Force but rather uniformed personnel from a neighbouring Francophone country.
“The viral video circulating in the media, depicting uniformed personnel in camouflage scooping fuel from the wreckage of a crashed tanker, was deliberately released to discredit the Nigeria Police Force. It is important to clarify that the individuals shown are not officers of the NPF.
“They are uniformed personnel from a Francophone country, whose camouflage uniforms closely resemble those of the Nigeria Police. Furthermore, the individuals in the video were speaking French, not a Nigerian language or English,” the statement explained.
Adejobi stressed that under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police remained dedicated to upholding discipline, professionalism, and a commitment to public safety.
“We strongly condemn the spread of disinformation and unverified news aimed at tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force. Such actions not only undermine the force’s integrity but also have significant negative implications for the nation and its citizens.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the IG’s leadership, remains resolute in upholding discipline, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to the safety and security of all Nigerians. Any acts compromising the force’s reputation are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Adejobi affirmed.
The NPF also called on Nigerians to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it, urging citizens to support national unity and safeguard the credibility of institutions dedicated to public safety.
“We urge all Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, fostering national unity and preserving the credibility of institutions working tirelessly to ensure public safety,” the statement concluded.
Despite the spokesperson’s clarification, Nigerians on X.com questioned why the individuals in the video were wearing Nigeria Police uniforms.
“If they are not police, who are they? Even with a clear VAR, the Nigerian police will still deny something,” @Dwizardking wrote.
@Horlar_SefPaid added, “Let’s not forget that these people also have families to feed. But lying to cover them up is what I don’t understand.
“This government lacks integrity; they can lie at any point in life. Imagine seeing blue, but they are telling us to our faces that it is white.”
