Police raise alarm over unauthorized use of IGP’s image for ‘AFRIPOL 2026’ event

The Nigeria Police Force has distanced itself from a purported “AFRIPOL 2026” programme being circulated online, warning members of the public and corporate organisations against engaging with or sponsoring the event.

In a statement on Wednesday by Anthony Placid, Force Public Relations Officer in Abuja, the police said the programme was neither approved nor endorsed by the leadership of the force.

The police described the use of the name “AFRIPOL” in connection with the programme as unauthorised, stressing that AFRIPOL is an official continental policing mechanism established under the framework of the African Union and not a platform for private events or unofficial activities.

According to the statement, the Nigeria Police Force also did not authorise the use of the image of the Inspector-General of Police, the official insignia of the Force, or any institutional identity linked to the police in promoting the programme.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state categorically that it did not approve, endorse, or authorise the purported ‘AFRIPOL 2026’ programme currently being circulated online,” the statement read.

The Force warned that the unauthorised use of its identity and that of AFRIPOL could mislead unsuspecting members of the public, organisations, and potential sponsors into believing the event had official backing.

Police authorities consequently advised individuals, corporate bodies, and other stakeholders to disregard the publication entirely and avoid any financial transactions, sponsorship arrangements, or participation connected to the event.