IGP Egbetokun: Nigeria Police Suffers Unmatched Reputational Damage from Misinformation

In an era where digital misinformation spreads at unprecedented speeds, Nigeria’s top law enforcement official has called for a more aggressive approach to protecting the police force’s public image.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, delivered a stark assessment of the reputational challenges facing his organization during the 2025 Annual Conference of Police Public Relations Officers, stating that “no public institution in Nigeria has suffered greater reputational damage from misinformation than the Nigeria Police Force.”

Egbetokun directed police spokespersons to adopt proactive communication strategies rather than waiting for false narratives to take root in public consciousness. He emphasized the need for anticipatory responses to emerging issues, urging officers to prepare credible narratives before misinformation can spread.

“The responsibility lies with you, the Public Relations Officers across Commands and Formations, to respond swiftly, accurately, and responsibly when such misinformation emerges,” Egbetokun told the assembled communication officers. “You are the first line of defence in the information ecosystem, and your vigilance, clarity, and professionalism are vital to ensuring that falsehoods do not become accepted truths.”

The police chief highlighted specific challenges in the current media landscape, including the recycling of old videos as new incidents, manipulation of images, and deliberately distorted narratives designed to mislead the public about police activities. While acknowledging that it’s impractical for national headquarters to address every false claim, he stressed that silence is no longer a viable option in today’s information environment.

Egbetokun’s concerns come amid growing scrutiny of police conduct across Nigeria, where social media has amplified both legitimate criticisms and unfounded allegations against law enforcement. The Nigeria Police Force has faced significant public trust challenges in recent years, particularly following the #EndSARS protests that highlighted concerns about police brutality and accountability.

The Inspector General laid out clear expectations for his communications team’s responses, emphasizing that they must be “swift, factual, respectful, and backed by evidence rather than assumptions.” He warned that a single careless statement could undermine months of hard work, while timely and empathetic messaging can defuse tensions and build public confidence.

While pushing for greater transparency, Egbetokun also stressed the importance of discretion in sensitive matters. He cautioned officers against revealing details that might compromise ongoing investigations, endanger victims, undermine prosecutions, or expose operational strategies to criminals. “Professional discretion remains a cornerstone of credible communication,” he noted.

Beyond defensive messaging, the IGP described an ambitious reform agenda within the police force that he characterized as “wide-ranging, people-centred, and anchored on fairness, service excellence, accountability, respect for human rights, and community partnership.” He tasked public relations officers with communicating these reforms effectively to both the public and to fellow officers who need to implement them.

Egbetokun called for more stories highlighting the human side of policing, beyond statistics and enforcement actions. “Nigerians must see the human face of policing. They need to hear about officers who rescue, mediate, mentor, and protect—those who go beyond the call of duty to save lives or restore peace. This is how we rebuild and sustain public trust,” he said.

The IGP concluded his address by emphasizing that effective communication grounded in “accuracy, empathy, and integrity” remains essential to restoring and maintaining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

The conference comes at a pivotal time for Nigerian law enforcement as it attempts to navigate complex security challenges while rebuilding trust with communities across the nation.