2027: Police to Track, Prosecute Fake News Peddlers — IGP

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned that the Nigeria Police Force will track, arrest and prosecute individuals responsible for spreading fake news, fabricated videos and misleading digital content capable of causing public panic and insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Disu gave the warning on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the annual conference and awards ceremony of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) in Abuja.

He said the police had strengthened their cybercrime monitoring and digital forensic capabilities to identify those behind fabricated notices, manipulated videos and other forms of online misinformation.

According to the IGP, the National Cybercrime Centre monitors online platforms for false and inciting content, while cybercrime operations have been extended to criminal investigation departments across the country.

He explained that the police would investigate suspicious digital content, trace its origin and prosecute individuals found responsible for deliberate fabrications.

“First, the National Cybercrime Centre monitors online platforms for false and inciting contents and we have extended the cybercrime activities to our Criminal Investigation Departments nationwide.

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

The police chief added that the force would respond quickly whenever false claims gained traction online by providing evidence-based clarification to prevent rumours from spreading.

He, however, stressed that the proposed measures were directed at deliberate fabrications and incitement, not legitimate journalism.

Disu urged journalists to verify security-related information before publication, distinguish confirmed facts from unverified claims and establish the origins of videos circulating on social media.

He warned that misinformation could discourage voter participation, undermine confidence in the electoral process and trigger disputes over election results.

The IGP also disclosed plans to establish a verification channel with CCAN to enable accredited crime reporters to obtain timely and reliable information from the police, particularly during the election period.

Chairman of CCAN, Festus Fifen, called for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies, saying coordinated efforts were necessary to address digital threats ahead of the elections.

The development comes amid growing concerns about the use of artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos, cloned voices and manipulated content capable of misleading voters and influencing public perception.