Election: IG vows crackdown on fake news purveyors

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu. Photo: NPF

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatuunji Disu, has said the Nigeria Police Force will identify and prosecute individuals responsible for spreading fake news, fabricated videos and other misleading digital content capable of causing public panic and insecurity.

Disu said the police had strengthened its cybercrime monitoring and digital forensic capabilities to identify individuals responsible for circulating fabricated videos, notices and other misleading content.

He spoke on Wednesday at the annual conference and awards ceremony of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, where he warned that misinformation could worsen insecurity, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

He said, “First, the National Cybercrime Centre monitors online platforms for false and inciting content, and we have extended the cybercrime activities to our Criminal Investigation Departments nationwide.

“Second, we trace and prosecute. Through digital forensics, we have identified and arrested individuals behind fabricated notices and videos.”

The IG added that the police would respond promptly to false reports capable of causing public panic.

“Third, we respond quickly when a false claim goes viral; the police will speak out early with evidence rather than leave a vacuum for a rumour,” he said.

He also warned that the measures would target deliberate fabrications and incitement rather than legitimate journalism.

“As I said earlier, these measures target deliberate fabrications and incitement. They are not aimed at honest journalism,” Disu said.

Disu said the police would also adopt a proactive communication strategy by promptly debunking false reports with verifiable evidence to prevent rumours from spreading.

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He added that the Force was proposing a verification channel with the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria to enable accredited reporters to obtain prompt and reliable confirmation of security-related information, particularly during the election period.

The police chief urged journalists to verify security incidents before publishing them, distinguish confirmed facts from unverified claims and establish the origins of videos circulating on social media.

He said responsible reporting was particularly important ahead of the 2027 elections, when misinformation could discourage voter participation, undermine confidence in the electoral process and fuel disputes over election results.

“Report a security incident as confirmed only when it has been confirmed. Separate sourced claims from what is unverified. Refuse to amplify a video that cannot be traced to a credible origin,” he advised journalists.

The Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Festus Fifen,  called for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies to tackle digital threats and safeguard public trust in electoral institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said, “Before 2027, we must build defences against digital warfare, align security strategies and deepen collaboration between law enforcement and the media.”

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund,  Mohammed Sheidu, said the conference was timely as the country prepared for the 2027 elections, warning that misinformation and disinformation could undermine public confidence in security institutions.

He said, “The growing threats of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation demand a more responsible and professional media.”

The NPTF boss warned that false reports could create panic, weaken public trust in security agencies and threaten national stability.

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, we also recognise the importance of a professional and adequately equipped and motivated police force for effectively protecting the lives of citizens,” he said.