Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, says no security institution in Nigeria has s¥ffered more reputational d+mage from misinformation than the Nigeria Police Force.
He spoke in Abuja on Monday at the 2025 Police Public Relations Officers’ Conference, warning about the rapid spread of f+ke news across digital platforms.
He lamented the constant circulation of recycled videos, edited images and misleading online narratives used to portray the police negatively.
“There is a growing trend of misinformation across digital platforms, where old videos are presented as recent events and edited images are passed off as truth. No public institution in Nigeria has s¥ffered more reputational d+mage from misinformation than the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
Egbetokun urged PPROs to respond swiftly and professionally whenever false narratives surface, insisting that silence is no longer an option. He explained that while the IGP’s office cannot address every distorted claim, PPROs must provide timely and accurate clarifications where misinformation begins.
He described communication as a key pillar of modern policing and noted that public trust now defines the legitimacy of law enforcement worldwide. According to him, delayed or weak responses only undermine the institution.
The IGP advised officers to be proactive, anticipate issues and engage the public early. “You must issue swift, factual and respectful rebuttals. Communicate with evidence, not assumptions,” he told them.
He stressed the need to balance transparency with operational security to avoid compromising sensitive investigations. He also called for stronger collaboration with journalists, civil society, community leaders and international partners, saying effective communication will shape the future of policing in Nigeria.
