Police suffer more from fake news – IG

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun

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Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday, said no public institution in Nigeria has suffered more reputational damage from misinformation than the Nigeria Police Force.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Police Public Relations Officers’ Conference in Abuja, Egbetokun said recycled videos, edited images, and misleading online claims have repeatedly been used to cast the Police in a negative light.

He urged Public Relations Officers across commands to respond promptly and professionally whenever such false narratives emerge.

Egbetokun said, “There is a growing trend of misinformation circulating across digital platforms; old videos resurfaced as recent events, edited images presented as truth, and misleading narratives deliberately crafted to distort public perception. No public institution in Nigeria has suffered more reputational damage from misinformation than the Nigeria Police Force.

“While we must acknowledge that it is neither strategic nor feasible for the Inspector-General or the Force Headquarters to respond to every distorted claim or sensational falsehood, silence is no more an option. The responsibility lies with you, the Public Relations Officers across Commands and Formations, to respond swiftly, accurately, and responsibly at the point where such misinformation emerges. You are the first line of defence in the information ecosystem.”

The IGP said communication has become as critical to policing as operational deployment, adding that public trust and transparency increasingly define the legitimacy of law enforcement institutions worldwide.

He warned that fragmented or delayed responses weaken institutional authority, stressing the need for uniform, factual messaging across the country.

“I therefore charge you to be proactive, not reactive. Do not wait for misinformation to dominate the space before you respond. Anticipate issues, prepare credible narratives, and engage early. Where false narratives emerge, issue swift, factual, and respectful rebuttals. Communicate with evidence, not assumptions. Every message you issue must be accurate, verified, clear, and consistent with our core values,” he said.

Egbetokun also urged the officers to prioritise accuracy, evidence-based communication, and balanced disclosure that does not compromise investigations or operational security.

He encouraged stronger engagement with journalists, civil society organisations, community leaders, and international partners.

“The future of policing in Nigeria will be heavily influenced by how well we communicate. The tools may be digital, but the responsibility remains human — and that responsibility rests with you,” he added.

The annual conference brings together Police Public Relations Officers from all commands and formations nationwide to review communication strategies, strengthen public engagement and address emerging challenges in digital-era policing, including misinformation and crisis communication.

The PUNCH journalist, Solomon, has five years experience covering crime, judiciary and defence beats.

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