The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called for stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the media to combat fake news, prevent election-related misinformation and safeguard the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Disu made the call on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the 3rd Annual Conference and Awards of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) in Abuja, themed “Navigating Security Challenges in the 2027 Election: The Role of the Media in Combating Fake News.”
The IGP stressed that credible public communication was as important as operational preparedness in ensuring peaceful and credible elections, warning that fabricated reports, recycled videos and unverified claims could trigger public panic, discourage voter participation and erode confidence in the electoral process.
He urged journalists to verify sensitive information, distinguish established facts from allegations and uphold professional standards before publishing reports, particularly on security and election-related developments.
Disu disclosed that the Police were strengthening their capacity to tackle deliberate misinformation and online incitement through the National Cybercrime Centre, expanded cybercrime capabilities in Criminal Investigation Departments nationwide, digital forensic investigations and timely, evidence-based public communication.
He, however, clarified that these measures were aimed at protecting public safety and not suppressing legitimate criticism or responsible journalism.
Describing crime correspondents as critical partners in public safety and accountability, the IGP encouraged fair and accurate reporting of both the achievements and shortcomings of the Police, noting that independent media scrutiny remained essential to institutional accountability and democratic governance.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, called for responsible journalism and stronger cooperation between the media and security agencies to address misinformation and strengthen national security ahead of the 2027 elections.
In his goodwill message at the conference, Sheidu described the theme as timely, noting that the increasing spread of fake news, misinformation and disinformation posed serious threats to public confidence in security institutions and national stability.
He urged journalists to prioritise accuracy, verification and constructive engagement with security agencies, emphasising that safeguarding democracy and national security required collective responsibility.
The NPTF boss also reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force through training, equipment, technology, institutional capacity development and welfare initiatives, stressing that effective policing depended on a professional, adequately equipped and motivated workforce.
Meanwhile, CCAN Chairman, Festus Ejiroghene Fifen, called on security agencies to move beyond ceremonial media engagements and make deliberate investments in the welfare, safety and professional development of crime correspondents.
Fifen decried what he described as the disproportionate allocation of resources to lavish buffets, decorations and souvenirs at security events, while journalists covering sensitive and high-risk assignments continued to operate without adequate welfare packages, protective equipment, specialised training, logistics and life insurance.
“Journalism cannot feed on souvenirs, and capacity cannot be built on a plate of rice and periodic handouts,” he declared.
He noted that crime reporters routinely risk their lives covering security operations and conflict situations, warning that security agencies could not expect extensive media coverage and responsible reporting without investing in the welfare and professional capacity of journalists.
The CCAN chairman consequently advocated specialised training in fact-checking, digital forensics and crisis reporting, provision of safety kits and protective gear for journalists covering conflict zones, as well as improved logistics and life insurance.
He also proposed closer collaboration between journalists and security agencies before elections, including the involvement of crime correspondents in scenario-building exercises and election-security simulations to improve preparedness and information management.
Fifen further called for conflict-sensitive reporting and improved professional development opportunities for journalists, while commending the Inspector-General of Police for his support for the Association.
The conference underscored the growing importance of strategic communication, professional journalism and stronger institutional partnerships in addressing election-related security threats, combating misinformation and ensuring a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process in 2027.
