The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has clarified that the Nigeria Police Force’s monitoring of social media platforms and other online channels ahead of the 2027 general elections is aimed at curbing fake news, misinformation and inciting content capable of triggering violence, rather than suppressing criticism or legitimate journalism.
Disu made this clarification while speaking at the third annual conference and awards of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN), held at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Abuja.
He explained that the police had intensified online surveillance because of the dangers associated with the spread of false information during election periods, warning that fabricated reports, manipulated videos and inflammatory messages could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
According to the IGP, misinformation could discourage voter participation, create doubts about election credibility and fuel political tension even before votes are cast.
He disclosed that the Police National Cybercrime Centre was being deployed to monitor digital platforms, while cybercrime-related operations had also been extended to criminal investigation departments across the country.
Disu said the police were using digital forensic tools to identify and investigate individuals suspected of producing and circulating fabricated notices, misleading videos and other materials capable of causing public disorder.
He, however, stressed that the Force would exercise its enforcement powers cautiously and would not target citizens for expressing opposing views or holding public officials accountable.
The police chief also said the Force would respond promptly to viral misinformation by investigating claims and providing timely clarifications, rather than allowing false narratives to spread unchecked.
As part of efforts to strengthen information verification ahead of the elections, Disu announced plans to establish a dedicated communication channel through which accredited crime correspondents could verify security-related information directly with the police.
He said the initiative would enable journalists to obtain accurate information quickly and reduce the risk of publishing unverified reports.
The IGP urged journalists covering security and electoral developments to distinguish confirmed facts from allegations, avoid sharing videos from questionable sources and give relevant authorities an opportunity to respond before publishing sensitive reports.
He also raised concerns over the increasing use of artificial intelligence to create deepfakes, warning that manipulated audio recordings, photographs and videos could falsely portray political figures or fabricate incidents ahead of the 2027 elections.
Disu described deepfakes as digitally generated or altered media designed to make individuals appear to have said or done things they never actually did.
He maintained that the police’s online monitoring activities were focused on deliberate fabrications and incitement that threaten public safety, not legitimate journalism, political opinions or constructive criticism.
Earlier, CCAN Chairman, Festus Fifen, warned that the build-up to the 2027 general elections could bring increased political tension, security challenges and the circulation of misleading information.
Fifen noted that fake reports, manipulated media and unverified rumours could be as dangerous as physical attacks because of their potential to trigger communal violence, disrupt security operations and weaken public confidence in electoral institutions.
He described the conference as an important platform for strengthening cooperation between journalists and security agencies ahead of the elections.
The CCAN chairman also emphasised the relationship between security reporting and economic development, noting that investors often consider security reports when assessing the business environment of a country.
He therefore called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and the media to tackle misinformation while ensuring that journalists uphold accuracy, balance and professionalism in their reporting.
The conference was themed: “Navigating Security Challenges in the 2027 Election: The Role of the Media in Combating Fake News.”
