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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has prohibited unauthorised social media activities by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, warning that such actions could undermine the Force’s integrity, professionalism and public image.

The directive, contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, followed concerns over the increasing involvement of police officers in social media activities while in uniform or in circumstances that clearly identify them as members of the Force without official approval.

According to the IGP, although social media remains a valuable platform for communication and public engagement, its use by serving police personnel must strictly conform to existing laws, regulations and the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy.

He stressed that officers are barred from creating or sharing unauthorised content while in police uniform, publicly commenting on official police matters, disclosing sensitive operational information, or using their status as police officers for personal promotion, entertainment or commercial purposes.

The police boss directed all Commissioners of Police, Heads of Departments, Commanders and other supervisory officers to immediately sensitise personnel under their commands and ensure strict compliance with the directive.

He further warned that supervisory officers would be held accountable for any failure to address violations committed by personnel under their watch.

To strengthen enforcement, Disu ordered the Force Intelligence Department, FID, and the Professional Standards Department, also known as X-Squad, to intensify monitoring of social media platforms and identify officers whose online activities fall short of the professional standards expected of members of the Nigeria Police Force.

The IGP reiterated the Force’s commitment to discipline, professionalism and responsible public communication, assuring Nigerians that the Police would continue to uphold public trust and institutional integrity in the discharge of its duties.

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The Benin monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has set July 10 as the date to place a curse on kidnappers, armed robbers, and anyone posing a security threat in his domain and in Edo State in general.

Oba Ewuare II set the date for his meeting with native doctors, the water goddess priestess Osokpikan, and adherents of Aiyelala and Olokun.

He told them to bring all instruments in their possession on that date to perform the exercise.

According to him, “Today is a great day. I welcome you with the power of our ancestors. Many things that are not supposed to be happening are happening in this state. We have to pray. Those that want to destroy the kingdom will not succeed.”

Speaking through Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, Oba Ewuare II said his efforts were to support the state government to ensure peace reigns in the state.

“You all know what is happening. The Oba is trying to bring peace. All the bad things are what we want to wipe away. Use all that you have to send all the wicked ones away, so that we can have a good sleep.

“We don’t want kidnapping, armed robbery and other social vices in this state. We want peace. The Palace has done much behind closed doors. Use all that you have to chase away wicked ones.

“After 10 days, you all will return to the Palace with all you have to place a curse on whoever and wherever they are. We want to see change.”

On his part, Chief Egboye said, “Our Oba called us to remove all the wahala in this state. The prayers and actions will work. That is what our forefathers did. It has never failed.”

The Ohen N’ Ogbeguma N’ Ayen, Princess Juliet Ehigiamusoe, said they would come out with all things in the river and on the land to carry out the Oba’s order.

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it has concluded the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj exercise.

The commission said that the completion of the return leg brought the 2026 Hajj operations to a close.

NAHCON Chairman, Amb. Ismail Yusuf expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the overall success of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their support in the operation’s success.

According to NAHCON, 12 Nigerian pilgrims were still receiving treatment in various hospitals in Saudi Arabia for various health conditions.

The commission said, “NAHCON is closely monitoring their situations and has made arrangements to facilitate their safe return to Nigeria as soon as they are discharged from the hospitals.

“NAHCON also appreciates the cooperation and hard work of state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators, service providers, aviation partners, medical teams, security personnel, the media and, most importantly, Nigerian pilgrims.

“The commission acknowledges that, as with every major operation of this scale, there were challenges encountered in the course of the exercise.”

The commission added that valuable lessons had been learnt from the exercise, which would be applied to improve subsequent Hajj operations.

It said that, in line with the commission’s commitment to continuous improvement and early planning, it had formally commenced preparations for the 2027 Hajj exercise.

“This was conveyed to all Hajj managers in Nigeria through a circular dated June 15. Consequently, state pilgrims’ welfare boards/agencies/commissions and licensed private tour operators are directed to commence preparatory activities immediately.

“This should be done in strict compliance with the official preparation document for the 2027 Hajj season as received from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,” the commission said.