Police Track Online Platforms For Merchants Of Fake News

The Nigeria Police Force has announced plans to intensify its monitoring of online platforms following an upsurge of fake news and cyberbullying.

The police announced the plan in a statement, signed by its spokesperson, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, on Monday.

The development followed the ‘malicious spread of old content and misinformation across various online platforms’ by certain groups of individuals, “seeking to undermine public trust in the policing system.”

“The Nigeria Police Force condemns in the strongest terms the dissemination of fake news and the perpetuation of cyberbullying aimed at discrediting the diligent efforts of our officers in maintaining law and order,” the statement read.

Citing the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015, the police described fake news and cyberbullying as a criminal offence that poses threats to the reputation of the police, while having the potential to incite fear and discord within the country.

“The NPF views these actions as a direct assault on the stability and safety of our society and will not hesitate to take decisive action against those found responsible.

“In response to this alarming trend, the NPF is intensifying its efforts to combat fake news and cyberbullying through increased vigilance and monitoring of online platforms as the IGP has ordered the NPF National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) to clamp down on those individuals and groups of people who are bent on jeopardizing our national security and stability via the spread of fake news and misinformation.

“The IGP also ordered that all perpetrators found spreading false information or engaging in cyberbullying be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the statement revealed.

The police pledged to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that swift and appropriate legal actions are taken against offenders.

“The NPF, therefore, calls upon all citizens to exercise caution and discernment when consuming and sharing information online.

“Together, we must stand united against the spread of misinformation and cyberbullying, recognizing that the safety and well-being of our country depend on our collective efforts to uphold truth and integrity.

“Similarly, we urge members of the public to report any instances of fake news or cyberbullying to the Police for prompt investigation and action,” the police said.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila described social media as a societal menace which must be regulated.

“As many people do not understand that once the send button is hit, there is a potential to reach millions of people around the world which is capable of causing a great danger not just in the society but even unintended consequences to the individuals that are receiving information which may include security of life,” Gbajabiamila said.