The Abia State Commissioner of Police, AIG Wilfred Afolabi, has urged journalists in the state to prioritise their safety and observe security guidelines while covering the 2027 general elections.
Afolabi gave the advice on Thursday in Umuahia during the 2026 Media Retreat and Press Week organised by the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia State Council.
The retreat was themed “The Future of Journalism in an Era of Disinformation.”
He identified key precautions for media practitioners, including verifying security-related information before publication, obtaining clarification from authorised sources, avoiding the disclosure of sensitive operational details and maintaining communication with security agencies.
The police commissioner also cautioned journalists against exposing themselves to danger while covering political rallies, protests and other volatile situations, urging them to avoid confrontations and identify safe exit routes.
“Exercise caution when covering political rallies, protests and volatile situations. Avoid confrontation, respect security concerns and always identify safe exit routes. Protect operational information. Avoid publishing sensitive security movements, tactical deployment or live operational details that could compromise security operations or endanger lives.
“Avoid misinformation and incitement. Do not amplify unverified reports, inflammatory statements or content capable of provoking violence or communal tension. Number five, maintain communication. Establish reliable communication with the police and other relevant security agencies for timely clarification and verification of information.
Protect your digital security. Be cautious of suspicious links, online impersonation, hacking attempts and unauthorised access to your devices and social media accounts.
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“I therefore urge journalists to adopt the following security precautions in the discharge of their professional responsibilities. Verify before publication. Always confirm security-related information from credible and authorised sources before publishing, particularly reports of attacks, violence and emergencies,” he advised.
Afolabi disclosed that the command had strengthened its capacity to tackle cybercrime, noting that its cybercrime unit had received specialised training.
“We have a functional private unit that investigates and attends to any cybercrime offences.”
He further urged journalists to uphold professional neutrality when reporting political activities, stressing the importance of responsible coverage in promoting peace, accountability and democratic participation.
The commissioner assured media practitioners that the Abia Police Command remained committed to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring a secure environment for journalists and other residents to perform their legitimate duties.
He also emphasised the need for continued collaboration between journalists and security agencies through mutual trust, credible information sharing and responsible reporting, especially as the 2027 elections approach.
Addressing concerns about police conduct during the elections, Afolabi said officers had undergone several training sessions on electoral responsibilities, with particular emphasis on political neutrality.
“We have been having a series of lectures upon lectures on electoral matters. And one of the issues we place so much emphasis upon is the issue of police and law enforcement officers maintaining neutrality.
“As far as I am concerned, police officers do not have any political party. Even if you have any, it is best restricted to your bedroom, maybe between you and your wife. But I am somebody who believes in neutrality.
“And inasmuch as the boys have been taught, if any one of them goes out of his way and commits any electoral offence, the matter will be taken up. Any other police officer who gets involved in any criminal offence, he will leave. I have no regrets taking such an action.”