By Gabriel Ameh
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, says the Nigeria Police Force is strengthening its technology and artificial intelligence capabilities to tackle deepfakes, fake results and other forms of digital disinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Disu disclosed this as the Police intensify preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle, with emerging digital threats identified as part of the security challenges that could affect the electoral process.
The IGP said police personnel are undergoing specialised training to improve their ability to detect and respond to misinformation, manipulated digital content and other technology-enabled crimes.
He said three batches of police personnel have already received training in technology and artificial intelligence applications, while additional programmes are ongoing across various formations of the Force.
According to Disu, some police officers are also undergoing advanced technology and artificial intelligence training outside Nigeria as the Force works to strengthen its capacity to respond to evolving cyber threats.
The training covers areas including digital intelligence gathering, online content verification, cybercrime investigation, detection of manipulated multimedia content and identification of coordinated disinformation campaigns.
The IGP said the increasing use of artificial intelligence has introduced new challenges for law enforcement, particularly through deepfake videos, cloned voices, fabricated images and other forms of manipulated content.
Such material, he noted, could be used to spread false information, inflame tensions or undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The Nigeria Police Force has also incorporated counter-misinformation measures into its broader election-security preparations. At the opening of the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) in Owerri, Disu directed officers to strengthen monitoring and response to election-related disinformation, including fake results, false police statements and inflammatory videos.
The Police Chief said the Force is adopting a proactive approach by preparing for technology-driven threats before they escalate during the election period.
He explained that the preparations are not limited to election day but cover the pre-election, election-day and post-election periods, when misinformation and manipulated content can spread rapidly.
Disu also stressed the importance of intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination, specialised training and rapid response as part of the Police Force’s wider election-security strategy.
The Nigeria Police Force has stated that its 2027 preparations will include monitoring potential flashpoints, strengthening early-warning systems, protecting electoral personnel and materials, and responding to threats that could disrupt the electoral process.
The IGP’s comments highlight the growing role of digital technology in election security as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, with artificial intelligence presenting both new tools for law enforcement and new avenues for the creation and spread of false information.
