Insecurity: NSCDC warns against misinformation, fake videos

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has cautioned citizens against spreading misinformation and propaganda via social media, which could escalate insecurity and incite attacks against innocent individuals. Dr. Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory Command, emphasized this warning during a nationwide roadshow organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Abuja, ahead of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum.

This information was reported in a statement released by the Chairman of the NIPR FCT Chapter, Stanley Ogadigo, in Abuja on Sunday. Odumosu stressed that the spread of unverified information on social media could lead to panic, intensify political tensions, and encourage criminal activities such as banditry and kidnapping. He warned, "In combating insecurity, it is very germane that we create this awareness because there is so much misinformation and miscommunication and various forms of propaganda that are not good for our collective well-being."

An example of irresponsible communication highlighted by Odumosu involved someone circulating a video from 20 years ago, depicting a past crisis, to issue directives to citizens to avoid traveling to certain areas like Kano State. He explained, "Such irresponsible communication can heat the political climate. And, of course, because our people don’t always go to the extent of verifying this information, many just jump to a conclusion that it is true.

This has resulted in a lot of chaos and attacks on innocent citizens." Odumosu urged Nigerians, particularly those actively using social media, to communicate responsibly and avoid content that could provoke violence, banditry, or kidnapping. He urged the youth to use social media responsibly, emphasizing the theme of the World Public Relations Forum, "Responsible Communications: Voice of the World," as an opportunity to promote a safe and harmonious society.