Nigeria Police: Issues Warning on AI Disinformation for 2027 Elections

• The Nigeria Police Force has warned against AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes threatening the 2027 general elections.
• The police have established a National Cybercrime Centre and partnered with tech companies like Meta and TikTok to investigate such content.
• Individuals creating or circulating false information to disrupt the 2027 electoral process will face accountability.
• An existing case involved the arrest of a suspect for a manipulated video of President Bola Tinubu.
• Civil society groups and media practitioners have raised concerns about AI's impact on public trust in elections.

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning against the proliferation of artificial intelligence-generated misinformation, deepfakes, and manipulated media, asserting that such content poses a significant threat to national security and the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning against the proliferation of artificial intelligence-generated misinformation, deepfakes, and manipulated media, asserting that such content poses a significant threat to national security and the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general elections. This declaration underscores a proactive stance by law enforcement to combat electoral misinformation in Nigeria, particularly as the next general elections approach.

Chief Superintendent of Police Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, delivered this critical warning during a recent webinar. The event, organized by the PUNCH Media Foundation, was themed "AI Misinformation and Nigeria's 2027 Elections: Safeguarding the Truth, Protecting the Vote," and focused extensively on the escalating dangers posed by AI and misinformation within Nigeria's electoral framework.

To bolster its capabilities in detecting and investigating deceptive digital content, the Nigeria Police Force has significantly enhanced its operational capacity. Following the 2023 general elections, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre was established, which now employs a sophisticated security operations mechanism specifically designed to monitor and verify suspicious information, with a particular focus on content suspected to be generated or altered using artificial intelligence.

Further strengthening its investigative reach, the police have forged strategic working relationships with prominent technology companies, including Meta and TikTok. These collaborations are crucial for facilitating investigations into suspicious online activities, enabling law enforcement to obtain relevant user information, pinpoint the geographical origins of misleading content, and meticulously preserve digital evidence for potential prosecution. Dedicated operational teams are also in place to investigate cases and apprehend individuals found responsible for disseminating harmful misinformation and disinformation.

The police have already encountered and documented instances involving manipulated videos and deepfake content, including a notable case where a video falsely depicted President Bola Tinubu making statements he never uttered. The individual responsible for this particular video was successfully traced, apprehended, and interrogated, reportedly claiming the content was produced as an experiment.

Authorities have made it clear that individuals who deliberately create and circulate false information with the intent to disrupt the 2027 electoral process will be held accountable. While emphasizing that the police will not infringe upon citizens' constitutional right to freedom of expression, investigations and arrests will be strictly predicated on credible information and sufficient evidence. The force is adopting a proactive strategy to identify potentially harmful content, ensuring that individuals are not arrested merely for expressing their political opinions.

Beyond law enforcement's efforts, civil society organizations and media practitioners have voiced significant concerns regarding the potential impact of artificial intelligence-generated content on public confidence in Nigeria's electoral process. Cynthia Mbamalu, the Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, highlighted that public trust is fundamental to citizen participation in elections, cautioning that intentional disinformation could erode confidence in electoral institutions and deter voter engagement.

Mbamalu urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fortify its communication strategy by ensuring the provision of accurate and timely information to citizens before, during, and after elections. She also advocated for regular public briefings and clear communication schedules, which would empower Nigerians to distinguish credible information directly from the electoral commission. Additionally, Mbamalu recommended the implementation of scenario planning to anticipate and address potential challenges.

Lawyers should advise clients involved in political discourse, media, or online content creation in Nigeria regarding the heightened risk of investigation and prosecution for creating or disseminating AI-generated deepfakes or manipulated media that could disrupt the 2027 elections. Compliance officers in tech firms should anticipate increased requests from the Nigeria Police Force for user data related to such content, given their stated collaborations with platforms like Meta and TikTok.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Media Foundation