Misinformation Has Done More Damage to Police Than Any Other Institution — IGP
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said that no public institution in Nigeria has suffered greater reputational harm from misinformation than the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking on Monday at the 2025 Police Public Relations Officers’ Conference in Abuja, Egbetokun warned that recycled videos, edited images, and misleading online claims are increasingly used to tarnish the Police’s image.
“There is a growing trend of misinformation circulating across digital platforms; old videos resurfaced as recent events, edited images presented as truth, and misleading narratives deliberately crafted to distort public perception. No public institution in Nigeria has suffered more reputational damage from misinformation than the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
Egbetokun urged Public Relations Officers across commands to respond swiftly and professionally whenever false narratives emerge, noting that silence is no longer an option.
“The responsibility lies with you, the Public Relations Officers across Commands and Formations, to respond swiftly, accurately, and responsibly at the point where such misinformation emerges. You are the first line of defence in the information ecosystem,” he added.
The IGP emphasised that communication is now as critical to policing as operational deployment, saying public trust and transparency increasingly define the legitimacy of law enforcement worldwide.
He warned that fragmented or delayed responses weaken institutional authority, stressing the need for consistent, factual messaging nationwide.
“I charge you to be proactive, not reactive. Anticipate issues, prepare credible narratives, and engage early. Where false narratives emerge, issue swift, factual, and respectful rebuttals. Communicate with evidence, not assumptions. Every message you issue must be accurate, verified, clear, and consistent with our core values,” Egbetokun said.
He also urged officers to prioritise accuracy, evidence-based communication, and balanced disclosure that does not compromise investigations or operational security, while encouraging stronger engagement with journalists, civil society groups, community leaders, and international partners.
“The future of policing in Nigeria will be heavily influenced by how well we communicate. The tools may be digital, but the responsibility remains human — and that responsibility rests with you,” he concluded.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
