The Nigeria Police Force has rejected as false a viral claim suggesting that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, instructed citizens to physically assault police officers or throw stones at them during stop-and-search operations, particularly when asked to search phones.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police described the claim as baseless and part of a deliberate misinformation campaign.
The statement further clarified that the IGP has never issued such a directive and has instead emphasized the importance of reporting police misconduct through proper channels.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM., has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones. This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality,” the statement read.
It also stressed that the IGP has advocated for accountability in law enforcement and encouraged citizens to report any police misconduct through official channels.
The statement provided various helplines and contact methods for the public to lodge complaints, including phone numbers (+2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786), as well as social media handles on X, Facebook, and Instagram (#PoliceNG, #ngpolice, #nigeriapoliceforce).
Additionally, the police urged the public to be cautious of misinformation and to verify news through reliable sources.
“Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant against misinformation and verify information through credible sources. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to fostering a cooperative and trustful relationship between the police and the communities they serve,” the statement concluded.
