Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has warned that the proliferation of fake news and misinformation poses a significant threat to national security and the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general elections. Disu delivered the caution on Wednesday during the 3rd Annual Conference and Awards of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) in Abuja, an event focused on the role of media in combating digital disinformation ahead of the polls.
The police chief highlighted how false information can trigger panic and confusion even in the absence of actual security incidents. He cited a specific example where a video depicting smoke, gunfire, and fleeing residents was circulated online with claims of an armed invasion. Disu noted that such footage can be shared thousands of times within minutes, leading to widespread community panic and a breakdown of public confidence, even after security operatives verify that the incident occurred elsewhere or was entirely fabricated.
“Fake news does not merely accompany insecurity; it can deepen the suffering and create additional security challenges,” the IGP stated.
Disu emphasized that security should not be defined solely by the absence of crime, but also by the level of public fear, which can alter how citizens interact with security institutions. He urged journalists to distinguish between allegations and verified facts, confirm security incidents before publication, and allow all parties involved to respond. While stressing that responsible reporting is not a restriction on press freedom, he insisted that media professionals must recognize the potential impact of their work on national stability.
In response to the digital threat, the Nigeria Police Force is strengthening its capacity to combat cybercrime. Disu disclosed that the National Cybercrime Centre is enhancing its investigative capabilities and expanding digital forensic operations to trace individuals responsible for spreading manipulated information. He assured the public that these measures would be exercised within the law and would not be used to suppress legitimate criticism or freedom of expression, while also highlighting the growing danger of AI-generated deepfakes.
Festus Ejiroghene Fifen, Chairman of the CCAN, described the conference as an urgent national intervention to strengthen defenses against digital misinformation. He warned that unverified rumors and manipulated media could trigger communal violence and weaken confidence in electoral institutions. Fifen also raised concerns about the welfare of crime correspondents, criticizing the lack of adequate protective equipment, specialized training, and insurance for journalists who risk their lives covering security operations.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
