By 
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the NPF National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) to take action against individuals and groups spreading fake news and misinformation, which threaten national security and stability.
RELATED: Police to monitor social media; prosecute for hate speech and cyberbullying
in 2022, the Nigeria Police announced plans to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of hate speech and cyberbullying to signal that security forces will be monitoring activities of citizens on social media as political campaigns begin this month.
The police in its latest statement said perpetrators found engaging in cyberbullying or disseminating false information will face full legal prosecution, as ordered by the IGP. The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the spread of fake news aimed at discrediting law enforcement efforts, emphasizing the need for caution in consuming and sharing online information.
Recent incidents, including debunked reports of kidnappings and explosions, highlight the malicious intent behind spreading misinformation. The NPF vows to combat fake news and cyberbullying through heightened vigilance and enforcement, urging citizens to report such incidents for swift investigation and legal action.
The statement reads in part, “The Nigeria Police Force condemns in the strongest terms the dissemination of fake news and the perpetuation of cyberbullying aimed at discrediting the diligent efforts of our officers in maintaining law and order. It has come to our attention that certain individuals and groups have been maliciously spreading old content and misinformation across various online platforms, seeking to undermine public trust in the policing system.
“Fake news and cyber bullying which are criminalised by the combined effect of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 and other extant criminal laws, not only pose a threat to the reputation of 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 cyberbullying through increased vigilance and monitoring of online platforms as the IGP has ordered the NPF National Cybercrime 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 cyberbullying 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 cyberbullying, recognising that the safety and well-being of our country depend on our collective efforts to uphold truth and integrity. Similarly, we urge members of the public to report any instances of fake news or cyberbullying to the Police for prompt investigation and action.”
