The Nigeria Police Force has announced plans to identify and prosecute individuals spreading fake news, manipulated videos and misleading online information capable of causing panic or threatening national security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said the police had strengthened their cybercrime monitoring and digital investigation capabilities to tackle the growing use of artificial intelligence in spreading false information.
Speaking at the annual conference and awards ceremony of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, November 11, Disu warned that misinformation could increase political tension, encourage violence and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
He explained that the National Cybercrime Centre was monitoring social media platforms for fabricated reports, misleading videos and other forms of online content capable of causing public unrest.
The police chief also disclosed that digital forensic investigations had helped security operatives identify and arrest individuals responsible for creating fabricated notices and videos.
According to him, the police would respond quickly whenever false information begins circulating online, providing evidence-based clarification to prevent rumours from spreading.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the use of artificial intelligence to create fake videos, clone voices and manipulate images of political leaders and public figures.
Disu, however, maintained that the crackdown would target deliberate fabrications and content capable of threatening public safety, rather than legitimate journalism or peaceful criticism of government policies.
He also urged journalists and social media users to verify information before sharing it, particularly reports concerning security incidents and electoral activities.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the police say they are strengthening collaboration with media organisations to improve information verification and prevent misinformation from influencing voters.
The move is expected to increase scrutiny of online activities in the coming months, especially as political campaigns and public debates around the elections intensify.
