VDM:Nigeria Police Crack Down on Unauthorized Use of Uniforms by Social Media Influencers

VDM:Nigeria Police Crack Down on Unauthorized Use of Uniforms by Social Media Influencers

Abuja, Nigeria - The Nigeria Police Force has strongly condemned the unlawful use of official uniforms and accoutrements by social media personality, Martins Otse, popularly known as "VDM," in a recent video posted on his platforms.

In a statement, the Force disassociated itself from the unauthorized portrayal and launched a thorough investigation to determine the source of the Police gear used and the authority under which VDM acted. The probe aims to identify those responsible for providing the unauthorized Police uniforms and hold them accountable.

The unauthorized use of Police uniforms, insignia, or accoutrements is a criminal offense under Section 251 of the Criminal Code Law and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law, punishable by strict penalties. This illegal act undermines the values and integrity of the Force, potentially causing harm to its reputation and compromising public trust.

While acknowledging the creativity of young Nigerians in content creation, the Police warned that misusing Police uniforms or symbols will not be tolerated. Instead, content creators should explore legal and creative ways to engage their audiences without compromising national security or the dignity of the Force.

The Nigeria Police Force is taking this incident seriously and urges anyone with information on the source of the unauthorized Police gear to come forward. The Force reassures the public that it remains committed to upholding its values and ensuring that its uniforms and symbols are treated with respect and dignity.

"The Nigeria Police Force values creativity and innovation, but we cannot allow individuals to compromise our integrity and values for entertainment purposes," said a Police spokesperson. "We will continue to work with content creators to find lawful and respectful ways to produce engaging content."

The Police Force calls on all Nigerians to report any instances of unauthorized use of Police uniforms or symbols to the nearest Police station or through official channels.

By taking swift action against unauthorized use, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its dedication to maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.