The Nigerian Police Force has denied allegations linking its officers to a viral video showing uniformed men allegedly scooping fuel from a fallen tanker.
The video, which has sparked outrage across social media, depicts several men in uniforms at the scene of an overturned tanker, siphoning fuel into containers.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer described the claims as baseless and aimed at tarnishing the image of the police.
“We can confirm that the individuals in the video are not members of the Nigerian Police Force. Investigations are already underway to identify those responsible for this act,” the statement read.
The incident, which reportedly occurred along a major highway, raises concerns about safety and accountability in emergency response situations.
Eyewitnesses claimed the tanker had spilled its contents after an accident, leading to a dangerous scramble for fuel.
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid engaging in such activities, citing the inherent risks of explosions and fatalities.
The police also assured the public of a thorough investigation to determine the identities of the perpetrators and ensure appropriate disciplinary actions are taken.
The Force appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and emphasized its commitment to upholding safety and integrity in its operations.
Meanwhile, social commentators have called for stricter regulations and better monitoring of emergency response personnel to prevent future occurrences.