THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has asked Nigeria Police Force Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) to clamp down on persons spreading fake news online to jeopardise national security.
A statement issued by NPF spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said certain individuals have started sharing old contents on various social media platforms to “undermine public trust in the policing system.”
He said Egbetokun has directed that persons found spreading false information or engaging in cyber bullying should be prosecuted.
Adejobi said the Force condemned dissemination of fake news and the perpetuation of cyber bullying aimed at discrediting police personnel.
The Force spokesperson said fake news and cyber bullying are against the provisions of Cyber crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.
He added that fake news and cyber bullying do not only pose a threat to the Force but also have the potential to incite fear and discord within the country.
“In response to this alarming trend, the NPF is intensifying its efforts to combat fake news and cyber bullying through increased vigilance and monitoring of online platforms,” the statement reads.
“The IGP has ordered the NPF National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) to clamp down on those individuals and groups of people who are bent on jeopardizing our national security and stability via the spread of fake news and misinformation.
“The IGP also ordered that all perpetrators found spreading false information or engaging in cyber bullying be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“The Police will work closely with relevant authorities to ensure swift and appropriate legal action against offenders.
“The NPF, therefore, calls upon all citizens to exercise caution and discernment when consuming and sharing information online.
“Together, we must stand united against the spread of misinformation and cyber bullying, recognizing that the safety and well-being of our country depend on our collective efforts to uphold truth and integrity,” the statement added.
It will be recalled that earlier in January this year, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command debunked reports of kidnapping in Bwari and other communities in the FCT.
Again on January 21, 2024, the police debunked reports of an abduction at River Park estate along the Lugbe – Airport Expressway in Abuja, clarifying that the supposed victim, one Nnandi Agu, had faked his kidnap to defraud his brother who lived in the estate.
On January 24, 2024, the FCT Police Command also debunked reports of an explosion in Maitama, noting that preliminary findings had shown that the explosion was caused by an overheated metal refuse bin, causing injuries to two refuse evacuators.
Nurudeen Akewushola is a fact-checker with FactCheckHub. He has authored several fact checks which have contributed to the fight against information disorder. You can reach him via [email protected] and @NurudeenAkewus1 via Twitter.
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