Politics
CENTRE for Crisis Communication (CCC) has warned that the rising wave of Artificial Intelligence-driven disinformation and manipulated multimedia content pose severe threat to Nigeria’s security and stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chairman of CCC, Retired Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, gave the warning during the presentation of the centre’s Second Quarter 2026 National Security and Stability Report on Tuesday in Abuja.
Olukolade stated that the report, compiled by the center’s specialised Crisis Communication Hub, highlighted an inter-section between physical insecurity and coordinated digital misinformation campaigns, designed to erode public confidence.
He noted that the national security environment in June was marked by resurgence of extremists’ activities, banditry, kidnappings and farmer-herder clashes.
According to him, while criminal groups are rapidly adapting their tactics, they are increasingly leveraging AI-generated fake contents and hate speeches to complicate active security operations.
“This situation could severely worsen, as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum,” Olukolade said.
He urged political leaders to stop exploiting ethnic and religious differences for partisan interests.
While commending the armed forces and other security agencies for disrupting terrorist operations and rescuing victims, the retired general stated that the evolving threat landscape required stronger and intelligence-driven collaboration.
He added that the report also noted increasing inflation, food insecurity and general economic hardship as factors increasing social vulnerabilities across the country.
The CCC chairman expressed concern over reported restrictions on press freedom and misuse of laws against media practitioners.
To address the challenges, he reiterated the centre’s support for state police, calling for prompt constitutional and institutional reforms, with strict safeguards against abuse.
Olukolade urged the Federal Government to enhance operational readiness against kidnappings, while calling on media practitioners and social media users to publish only verified information.
He also advised traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and citizens to jointly combat misinformation, emphasising that national resilience required professionalism, responsible leadership and active citizen participation.
(NAN)
W.U
July 7, 2026
Tags: Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade