2027: Police to track, prosecute fake news peddlers — IG

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has announced that the Nigeria Police Force will identify and prosecute individuals spreading fake news, fabricated videos, and misleading digital content that could cause panic and insecurity. Disu emphasized that the police have enhanced their cybercrime monitoring and digital forensic capabilities to detect those responsible for circulating fabricated content.

He warned at the annual conference and awards ceremony of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria that misinformation could exacerbate insecurity, especially as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. Disu explained that the National Cybercrime Centre monitors online platforms for false and inciting content, and the Criminal Investigation Departments nationwide have traced and prosecuted individuals behind fabricated notices and videos.

The police will respond swiftly to false claims that cause public panic and will also adopt a proactive communication strategy to debunk false reports with verifiable evidence, ensuring responsible reporting before the 2027 elections.