Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigeria Police Force has demoted a serving female officer after finding her guilty of violating the Force’s social media policy, marking a rare disciplinary action aimed at enforcing professional conduct standards among personnel. The decision was announced following an internal review and disciplinary proceeding at the Police Headquarters in Abuja.
According to police sources, Sergeant Anemena Favour, previously attached to the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 25 in Asaba, Delta State, was reduced from her rank to corporal after being found guilty of “discreditable conduct” and disobedience to lawful orders. The ruling followed an orderly‑room proceeding conducted by the Department of Finance and Administration at the Force Headquarters.
The disciplinary action relates to a social media incident in which Sergeant Favour was seen conducting a live broadcast on the platform TikTok while in full police uniform. Police authorities said the act breached established regulations governing officers’ use of social media, as serving officers are required to adhere to strict guidelines on public communication, particularly when in uniform.
Officials familiar with the case said the underlying charges against the officer were framed under specific provisions of the Police Regulation 370, Act 2, contained in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2020. Those regulations outline acceptable standards of conduct for police personnel and prohibit activities that could bring discredit to the Force or undermine its integrity.
The Nigeria Police Force has, in recent years, issued internal warnings against unprofessional social media use by officers. In October 2025, a Force Headquarters directive cautioned personnel nationwide against being filmed for online content while on official duties or wearing uniforms, among other unprofessional behaviours, and stressed that disciplinary action could be taken against offenders.
While police authorities typically do not release detailed public updates on individual disciplinary cases, the demotion of Sergeant Favour reflects a broader push within the Force to enforce conduct standards amid concerns that inappropriate social media conduct can damage public trust and tarnish the image of the institution.
The action underscores the ongoing sensitivity within the Nigeria Police Force regarding social media usage by serving officers. Previous incidents involving sanctions for online conduct, including the suspension of officers and warnings against unprofessional postings, indicate an institutional emphasis on maintaining discipline and adherence to official communication protocols.
At the time of this report, there has been no official statement from the Force Public Relations Department confirming the demotion or outlining any further steps in Sergeant Favour’s case. Authorities have generally maintained that measures to discipline erring personnel are conducted in line with internal regulations and aim to uphold professional standards across the Force.
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I believe this will serve as a warning to others, as officers in uniform have repeatedly been advised against posting themselves on social media. This is not a new warning.
From a security standpoint, it is unsafe, and it also puts the officer’s personal safety at risk. For our own protection and for operational security, we must all adhere strictly to these guidelines.