2027 Elections: Police to Track, Prosecute Spreaders of Fake News – Disu

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has warned that the Nigeria Police Force will identify and prosecute individuals responsible for spreading fake news, fabricated videos and other misleading digital content capable of triggering public panic and threatening national security.

Disu said the Force had strengthened its cybercrime monitoring and digital forensic capabilities to track down those behind the circulation of fabricated notices, videos and other inciting materials, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The police chief spoke on Wednesday at the annual conference and awards ceremony of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, where he described misinformation as a growing security threat capable of worsening insecurity and undermining public confidence in democratic institutions.

He disclosed that the National Cybercrime Centre was monitoring online platforms for false and inciting content, adding that cybercrime operations had been extended to police criminal investigation departments across the country.

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

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

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Disu added that the police would promptly address viral false reports by providing evidence-based clarifications to prevent rumours from spreading and creating unnecessary panic.

“Third, we respond quickly. When a false claim goes viral, the police will say so early with evidence rather than leave a vacuum for a rumour,” he stated.

He, however, clarified that the measures were targeted at deliberate misinformation, fabricated reports and incitement, stressing that they were not intended to intimidate journalists or restrict legitimate media activities.

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

The IGP also disclosed that the Force was proposing a verification channel in collaboration with the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria to enable accredited journalists to obtain timely and reliable confirmation of security-related information, especially during the election period.

He urged journalists to exercise caution when reporting security incidents, advising them to distinguish confirmed information from unverified claims and establish the credible origins of videos circulating on social media.

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According to him, responsible journalism is crucial ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the spread of misinformation could discourage voter participation, erode confidence in the electoral process and trigger disputes over election results.

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

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu, described the conference as timely, noting that the country needed stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies to tackle the growing threat of misinformation ahead of the 2027 elections.

He warned that fake news and disinformation could weaken public confidence in security institutions, trigger panic and threaten national stability.

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

He further stressed the need for a professional, adequately equipped and motivated police force to effectively protect lives and property as the country approaches another election cycle.

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“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 added.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Festus Fifen, called for deeper cooperation between journalists and security agencies to combat digital threats and protect public confidence in electoral institutions.

He said stakeholders must strengthen their preparedness against the misuse of digital platforms to spread false information and undermine national security.

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

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