Irresponsible Social Media Use Fueling Insecurity

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have warned Nigerians against the irresponsible use of social media, saying the spread of unverified information can contribute to insecurity.

The warning was issued during a sensitisation campaign organised by the NIPR as part of activities ahead of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum scheduled to hold in Abuja.

The Federal Capital Territory chapter of the institute used the campaign to educate members of the public on responsible communication and the need to verify information before sharing it online.

The FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said the circulation of unverified information could create panic, heighten tensions and expose innocent people to danger.

He particularly warned against sharing old photographs and videos as though they represented current incidents.

According to him, such content can mislead members of the public and create unnecessary fear, especially when it concerns security incidents.

Odumosu said social media users should exercise caution before publishing or forwarding information capable of provoking people or worsening existing tensions.

He also urged Nigerians to verify the authenticity and context of information before sharing it across social media platforms.

The NSCDC official noted that misinformation could complicate security operations and create an environment that criminal elements could exploit.

The Chairman of the National Planning Committee for the World Public Relations Forum, Dr Suleiman Haruna, also highlighted the challenges posed by the rapid growth of social media and artificial intelligence.

Haruna said the increasing speed at which information is produced and distributed makes responsible communication particularly important.

He acknowledged the right to freedom of expression but stressed that users should exercise responsibility when communicating on digital platforms.

A member of the planning committee, Inimfon Etuk, said the roadshow was aimed at promoting responsible communication and creating awareness about the forthcoming global public relations forum.

The Chairman of the NIPR FCT Chapter, Stanley Ogadigo, said Nigeria secured the hosting rights for the World Public Relations Forum after a competitive bidding process.

He said the country would host the forum for the first time, alongside the 37th annual conference of the African Public Relations Association.

The organisers said the forum would bring together public relations professionals and communication experts to discuss emerging issues surrounding strategic communication, technology and responsible information management.

The sensitisation campaign is expected to continue as the NIPR promotes greater awareness of responsible communication and information verification among Nigerians.