Police Warn Against Digital Thuggery, Fake News Ahead 2027 Election

The Niger State Police Command has warned youth leaders, media handlers and digital influencers against using social media to spread fake news, hate speech and inflammatory content ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The warning was issued during a Digital Capacity Building Training for Zone B communication experts organised by Triple T on August 15, 2026, at Bahago Roundabout in Minna.

The training brought together youth leaders, media handlers, digital influencers and other communication stakeholders from nine local government areas in Zone B, ahead of the commencement of electoral campaigns on August 19.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, was represented by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, who delivered a sensitisation lecture under the Inspector-General of Police’s National Digital Responsibility Campaign.

Abiodun warned that misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, fake news, digital manipulation and hate speech could turn online tensions into political violence and public disorder.

He urged participants to verify information before sharing it, fact-check claims, avoid inflammatory content and respect opposing political views.

According to him, social media should promote peaceful democratic participation rather than become a platform for political thuggery.

The police spokesperson also highlighted the possible legal consequences of online activities capable of inciting violence, causing public disorder or facilitating cyber-related offences.

Abiodun challenged digital influencers and youth leaders to use their platforms to counter false information, promote tolerance and encourage issue-based political engagement.

He stressed that young Nigerians have an important role to play in ensuring that social media strengthens rather than undermines the country’s democratic process.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to engaging youths, media practitioners and other stakeholders to promote responsible digital communication and prevent online activities from escalating into electoral violence.

The training also strengthened collaboration between the police and communication stakeholders on public enlightenment, preventive policing and community safety as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

The police urged participants to recognise the influence of their platforms and use them responsibly, particularly as political campaigns and online political activities increase across the country.