The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has cautioned Nigerians against circulating unverified information that could heighten tension, fuel insecurity and expose innocent citizens to attacks.
The Commandant of the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory Command, Dr Olusola Odumosu, issued the warning in Abuja during a nationwide roadshow organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations ahead of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum.
The Chairman of the NIPR FCT Chapter, Stanley Ogadigo, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, October 4.
Odumosu said the rapid spread of false or misleading content, particularly through social media, could create unnecessary panic and provide an avenue for criminals to exploit public fear.
He stressed that Nigerians should verify information before sharing it, warning that old videos and unrelated reports were sometimes presented as current events, with potentially dangerous consequences.
“In combating insecurity, it is very germane that we create this awareness because there is so much misinformation and miscommunication and various forms of propaganda that are not good for our collective well-being.
READ ALSO: INEC Flags Misinformation As Biggest Risk To 2027 Polls
“Somebody would just wake up from somewhere, bring out a video that is as old as 20 years, where maybe a crisis happened, target happenings now in places like Kano State and start dishing out instructions like ‘Everybody, if you are going to Kano, please take a detour.’ Such irresponsible communication can heat the political climate.
“And, of course, because our people don’t always go to the extent of verifying this information, many just jump to a conclusion that it is true. This has resulted in a lot of chaos and attacks on innocent citizens.”
The NSCDC commander called for greater caution among social media users, particularly young Nigerians, noting that irresponsible communication could worsen existing security challenges.
“So, the essence is for us to learn to communicate responsibly, especially in this age of social media. People ought to know that it is not too good to send out information that can heat the polity or things that can make people start attacking themselves and encourage banditry, kidnapping and all of that.
“This is why I find the theme of this World Public Relations Forum very apt. So, I am saying this so that we can send out a message loud and clear that we should endeavour to communicate responsibly, especially to our youth in this age of social media. People should use social media responsibly,” he stated.
The warning comes amid concerns over the role of social media in amplifying unverified security reports, with misleading posts capable of provoking fear, hostility and retaliatory attacks.