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 capable of fuelling political violence 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, Minna.

The training brought together youth leaders, media handlers, digital influencers and 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, mnips, 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 escalate 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, stressing that social media must promote peaceful democratic participation rather than become a tool for political thuggery.

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

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

Abiodun said young people had a critical role in ensuring that social media strengthened, rather than undermined, Nigeria’s democratic process.

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

The training further strengthened collaboration between the police and communication stakeholders on public enlightenment, preventive policing and community safety as political activities intensify.