The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, on Friday charged Police Public Relations Officers of the 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory to beware of the social media saying they can make or mar their job.

He stated that the major problem confronting the police in the country today is the social media.

Adamu made the call during the closing ceremony of a workshop for Police PROs in Nigeria.

The IGP reminded the police officers that their job is to polish the image of the police, hence the need to be acquainted with the various means of communication.

While observing that policing the country in a social media era was difficult, Adamu said: “You do not only have the print and electronic media to contend with, but also, social media. Policing is made difficult by the social media, so you have to be up and doing and be acquainted with the use of social media.

“You can use the social media to your advantage, and it can also be used against you by mischief makers.

“Things are no longer the same, technology has changed the terrain, especially in communication, and today we have several means of communication.”

Adamu further advised the PPROs not to reply to fake news materials noting that most times, mischief makers use it to attract unnecessary attention.

He added: “Sometimes it is better not to respond, and if you don’t, the originators of such fake news will be frustrated, and they will back out.

“Sometimes, the mischief makers originate this fake news to make you react to it. So, as they are skillfully, you too have to be skillful, and that is the essence of this workshop.”