…Backs state police, warns against ethnic politics, fake news and worsening economic hardship
By Jane Okeke
The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has expressed concern over what it described as a dangerous convergence of worsening insecurity, artificial intelligence-driven disinformation, economic hardship and deepening ethno-religious divisions, warning that the trend could threaten Nigeria’s stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Presenting the Centre’s Second Quarter 2026 National Security and Stability Report in Abuja on Tuesday, Chairman of the CCC, Chris Olukolade, said the country’s security environment deteriorated significantly during the review period despite the operational gains recorded by the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
According to the report, the assessment conducted by the Centre’s Crisis Communication Hub showed that June 2026 witnessed persistent terrorist attacks, mass kidnappings, violent banditry, farmer-herder clashes, renewed extremist activities, and an alarming rise in AI-generated fake news and coordinated misinformation campaigns.
While commending the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies for rescuing abducted victims and disrupting terrorist activities, the Centre noted that criminal groups had continued to adapt their tactics, making it imperative for security agencies to adopt more coordinated, intelligence-driven and technology-based responses.
The report also warned that Nigeria was facing an unprecedented wave of fake news, manipulated multimedia content and AI-generated disinformation capable of eroding public trust in state institutions and undermining ongoing security operations.
It observed that as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum, the spread of false information, hate speech and inflammatory narratives has become a major threat to democratic stability and national peace.
Beyond security concerns, the Centre identified worsening economic hardship, rising food insecurity and persistent inflation as factors fueling public frustration and increasing social vulnerability.
It also expressed concern over reports of restrictions on press freedom and the alleged misuse of existing laws against journalists, warning that such developments could weaken democratic governance and public accountability.
The Centre further decried what it described as the growing weaponisation of ethnic and religious identities by some political actors, cautioning that divisive rhetoric was gradually eroding Nigeria’s gains in national integration and peaceful coexistence.
It warned that unless urgently addressed, identity politics could inflame tensions and threaten national unity as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
To address the challenges, the Centre urged the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen specialised training, improve rescue strategies and enhance operational readiness, particularly in responding to kidnapping and other security emergencies.
It also called on journalists, commentators and social media users to avoid sensationalising security incidents, stressing that responsible reporting and dissemination of verified information were essential to protecting security operations and preventing unnecessary public panic.
The Centre equally urged political leaders to refrain from exploiting ethnic and religious differences for political gain and instead promote national cohesion and responsible leadership.
Reiterating its long-standing position on security reforms, the Centre endorsed the establishment of state police, describing it as a more responsive approach to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
It, however, advised that adequate constitutional safeguards should be put in place to ensure professionalism, accountability and prevent abuse of the proposed policing system.
The organisation also called on government institutions, security agencies, political parties, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to work together in combating misinformation, strengthening strategic communication and promoting national unity.
The report stressed that tackling Nigeria’s security challenges requires a whole-of-society approach built on professionalism, intelligence-led operations, responsible leadership and active citizen participation.
The Centre reaffirmed its commitment to supporting evidence-based policy engagement, strategic communication and conflict prevention initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable peace, security and national resilience.
Centre Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity, AI Disinformation Ahead of 2027 Polls
