The Nigeria Police Force said its monitoring of social media platforms and other online channels ahead of the 2027 general elections aims to prevent the spread of fake news and inciting content that could trigger violence, not to silence criticism or legitimate journalism.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, clarified this 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.

Disu said the police had intensified online surveillance because of the risks posed by misinformation during election periods, warning that fabricated reports, manipulated videos and inflammatory messages could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

He noted that false information could discourage voter participation, create doubts about election credibility and fuel tensions even before votes were cast.

“As we approach the 2027 election, falsehood can be used to discourage voters, cast doubts on the credibility of the process and prepare the ground for rejecting results before a single ballot is counted,” the police chief said.

The IGP disclosed that the Force was using its National Cybercrime Centre to monitor digital platforms and had extended cybercrime-related activities to criminal investigation departments across the country.

He explained that the police were deploying digital forensic tools to identify individuals suspected of producing and circulating fabricated notices, misleading videos and other materials considered capable of causing public disorder.

“Secondly, we trace and we prosecute. Through digital forensics, we have identified and arrested individuals behind fabricated notices and videos,” Disu said.

However, he stressed that the police would not use their enforcement powers to prevent citizens from expressing opposing views or holding public officials accountable.

“Let me be clear. We apply these powers sparingly, and only where public safety is genuinely at risk, not to silence criticism or dissent,” he declared.

Disu added that the police would respond to viral misinformation by seeking evidence and issuing timely clarifications rather than allowing false claims to circulate unchecked.

“Thirdly, we respond quickly. When a false claim goes viral, the police will seek anyone with evidence, rather than leave a vacuum,” he said.

The Inspector-General also announced plans to establish a dedicated channel through which accredited crime correspondents could verify security-related information with the police during the election period.

He said the arrangement would allow journalists to obtain reliable information quickly and reduce the risk of publishing unverified reports.

“Finally, for the election period, we will work with this association on a clear channel for verification and requests from accredited crime correspondents so that they can confirm facts with us quickly and reliably,” Disu stated.

The police chief urged journalists reporting security and electoral developments to distinguish confirmed facts from allegations and avoid spreading content whose authenticity could not be established.

“So let me be specific about responsible electoral reporting. Report a security incident as confirmed. Separate what the source claims from what has been verified,” he said.

He further cautioned reporters against sharing videos without credible sources and encouraged them to give the police an opportunity to respond before publishing sensitive security-related reports.

“These are not restrictions on your freedom. They are the basis of your craft,” he added.

Disu also raised concerns about the growing use of artificial intelligence to create deepfakes, warning that manipulated audio, photographs and videos could falsely portray political figures or fabricate incidents ahead of the elections.

He described deepfakes as media content generated or altered with artificial intelligence to make people appear to have said or done things that never happened.

The IGP maintained that the police’s online monitoring efforts were focused on deliberate fabrications and incitement that threatened public safety, rather than legitimate reporting and political opinions.

He also emphasised the importance of a free and responsible press in ensuring credible elections and maintaining peace.

Earlier, CCAN Chairman, Festus Fifen, warned that the build-up to the 2027 elections could bring increased political tension, security challenges and the circulation of misleading information.

Fifen said 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 opportunity to strengthen cooperation between journalists and security agencies ahead of the elections.

“This conference is therefore not a routine exercise; it is an urgent national intervention. Before 2027, we must build defences against digital warfare, align security strategies, and deepen collaboration between law enforcement and the media,” he stated.

The CCAN chairman also linked security reporting to economic development, arguing that the way crime and insecurity are reported could influence investors’ perception of Nigeria.

“Investors read security reports before they consider any business environment, and crime correspondents help shape those reports,” he said.

Fifen called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and the media to address misinformation while ensuring that journalists maintained 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.”