The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has warned that the spread of fake news and misinformation could undermine Nigeria’s security and threaten the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the warning on Wednesday while speaking at the 3rd Annual Conference and Awards of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, CCAN, held in Abuja.
The conference, which focused on the theme, “Navigating Security Challenges in the 2027 Election: The Role of the Media in Combating Fake News,” brought together security officials, journalists and other stakeholders to discuss the dangers of misinformation and the importance of responsible reporting.
The police chief explained that false information could trigger panic and confusion even when no security incident had occurred, warning that fabricated reports and misleading videos could create unnecessary tension within communities.
To illustrate his point, Disu described a situation where a video showing smoke, gunfire and fleeing residents was circulated online with claims that armed men had invaded a community.
According to him, the footage could be shared thousands of times within minutes, causing parents to call their children home and residents to panic before security operatives establish that the video was recorded elsewhere and had nothing to do with the community.
He stressed that although no crime might have been committed at the location, the circulation of false information could still destroy public confidence and create widespread fear.
Disu further explained that security should not be measured solely by the absence of criminal activities, noting that persistent fear could affect how people move, interact and relate with security institutions.
He warned that recycled videos, fabricated eyewitness accounts and false statements attributed to public officials could mislead the public and force security agencies to respond to incidents that never happened.
“Fake news does not merely accompany insecurity; it can deepen the suffering and create additional security challenges,” the IGP stated.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Disu cautioned journalists against publishing unverified security reports, particularly those capable of influencing voters or creating doubts about the electoral process.
He urged crime correspondents to distinguish between allegations and independently verified facts, confirm security incidents before publication and give all parties involved an opportunity to respond.
The police chief maintained that responsible reporting should not be mistaken for an attempt to restrict press freedom, insisting that journalists must recognise the consequences of their reports on national security.
He also disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force was strengthening its capacity to combat cybercrime and identify individuals responsible for spreading manipulated information.
According to Disu, the National Cybercrime Centre is improving its investigative capabilities, while the police are expanding their digital forensic operations to trace those involved in criminal online activities.
He, however, assured Nigerians that the powers would be exercised within the provisions of the law and would not be used to suppress legitimate criticism or freedom of expression.
The IGP added that the police would provide timely clarifications whenever misleading information circulated, particularly when videos and other materials were falsely presented as evidence of security incidents.
He also drew attention to the growing danger of deepfakes, describing them as videos, audio recordings or images manipulated with artificial intelligence to make people appear to have said or done things they never actually did.
Disu called for stronger cooperation between security agencies and the media, stressing that journalists must hold the police accountable while security institutions should provide credible information to prevent unnecessary crises.
He urged journalists to protect their professional credibility, describing it as one of the most important assets they possess in the fight against misinformation.
“The stories you publish and the statements you issue can either strengthen this nation's security or undermine it. That is why every journalist must understand the responsibility that comes with the profession,” he said.
He further acknowledged the contributions of crime correspondents to national security, noting that their reports had helped expose criminals, prevent crimes and give victims an opportunity to be heard.
Earlier, the Chairman of the CCAN, Festus Ejiroghene Fifen, said the conference theme was deliberately selected because the period preceding general elections was often characterised by heightened political tension, security challenges and the spread of misinformation.
Fifen warned that fake news, manipulated media and unverified rumours had become serious threats capable of triggering communal violence, disrupting security operations and weakening public confidence in electoral institutions.
He described the conference as an urgent national intervention, stressing the need to strengthen the country's defences against digital misinformation before the 2027 elections.
The CCAN chairman also highlighted the important role of crime correspondents in promoting public safety through accurate reporting, accountability and the dissemination of credible security information.
However, he expressed concern over the welfare of journalists covering security operations, lamenting that many crime reporters risk their lives without adequate protective equipment, specialised training, insurance or proper welfare packages.
Fifen criticised the practice of spending substantial resources on decorations, souvenirs and refreshments at security events while neglecting the professional development and safety needs of journalists expected to publicise such programmes.
He called for increased investment in specialised training in fact-checking, digital forensics and crisis reporting, alongside the provision of safety equipment, logistics and modern press centres with reliable internet facilities.
He also recommended institutionalising conflict-sensitive journalism and strengthening collaboration between security agencies and crime correspondents, particularly through their involvement in pre-election security simulations.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Grace Ike, warned that fake news could become one of the biggest threats to Nigeria's security as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Ike noted that elections in Nigeria were not merely political contests but also major security events, requiring journalists to exercise caution and professionalism in their reporting.
She observed that manipulated videos, fabricated electoral documents and false reports of attacks could spread rapidly on social media, potentially triggering violence and undermining public confidence.
The NUJ chairman urged journalists to prioritise verification over speed, advising them to cross-check information with relevant authorities, community leaders and eyewitnesses before publishing security-related reports.
She also warned about the dangers facing journalists during election coverage, including intimidation, harassment, arrests and physical attacks.
Ike assured journalists that the FCT NUJ Council would continue engaging security agencies to protect media practitioners and defend their right to cover elections freely and safely.
She further advised crime correspondents to work in teams where possible, share their locations with their newsrooms, carry proper press identification and avoid entering volatile areas alone.
Calling for stronger cooperation between journalists and security agencies, Ike said timely access to accurate information would help prevent fake news from filling communication gaps.
She urged journalists to use their platforms to educate voters, debunk false information, promote peaceful elections and hold politicians, security agencies and other stakeholders accountable.
Ike concluded by challenging members of the association to make truth and accuracy their guiding principles ahead of the 2027 polls, warning that the media's handling of election-related information could either calm tensions or worsen the country's security situation.
“Truth First, Speed Second,” she declared, urging crime correspondents to uphold professional integrity and reject the temptation to spread unverified reports for online attention.
2027 election: IGP Disu, NUJ, CCAN harp on dangers of misinformation, fake news