The Information Loophole Around Insecurity in Nigeria and its Implication on Public Trust
Imagine a battlefield where truth is the first casualty, and fear spreads faster than any bullet. In Nigeria, this is reality as false claims – like the ‘arrest’ of Bello Turji or the repeated ‘deaths’ of Abubakar Shekarau – impacts national security efforts.
The digital age, while connecting us, has also become a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation, particularly concerning Nigeria’s volatile security landscape. This deluge of false narratives, spread through social media, traditional news outlets, and even casual conversations, has far-reaching consequences. It doesn't just create confusion; it actively undermines efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. By sowing doubt and distrust, these false claims give perpetrators a strategic advantage, allowing them to manipulate both security forces and the public. The question is no longer just how these falsehoods arise, but how we can reclaim the narrative and safeguard the nation's integrity.
Understanding Information Disorder in the Context of Insecurity
Social media is a major source of misinformation because of its speed and reach. Misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly because users can share content instantly with a large audience. Controversial posts like the claim about the death of Bello Turji’s death go viral faster and attract engagement. Misinformation portraying terrorist groups as more powerful than military personnel also attracts recruits who believe joining them offers better protection or financial gain. Videos, texts or media materials released by terrorist groups that are not accurately reported by the media give traction to their notoriety and creates fear in the citizenry. Misinformation plays a significant role in creating insecurity and eroding public trust in institutions.
There have also been cases where the Nigerian military was caught spreading disinformation. Security forces have sometimes paraded suspects, claiming they are members of a criminal gang, with scripted confessions.Some of these “confessions” have later been debunked, with suspects alleging coercion or wrongful arrests.
Sensationalisation of security issues can also lead to mass hysteria, fear-driven migration and displacement. This happens when governments, media, or influential figures exaggerate security threats, leading to skepticism and distrust in official security measures. In situations where false narratives about security breakdowns begin to circulate, it could lead to people taking the law into their own hands, disrupting social order as can be seen in the sit-at-home being observed in the south-east.
Also, communities and regions have resorted to self-help security measures. We have seen the formation of ESN in the south-east, Amotekun security network in the south-west due to a loss of confidence in authorities. The rise of community militias often follows ethnic, religious, or political lines, leading to increased suspicion and division. Instead of fostering national unity, this fuels distrust and potential conflict.
Strategies to Combat Disinformation Around Insecurity
Proactive communication from government and security agencies is a crucial strategy in combating misinformation around insecurity. By quickly addressing security incidents with factual updates, government and security agencies can prevent false narratives from spreading. If an attack occurs, immediate official statements clarifying casualties, perpetrators (if known), and response measures can curb conspiracy theories or exaggerated claims. Fact-checking organisations like News Verifier Africa, NV-A, play a crucial role in combating misinformation around insecurity by systematically identifying, verifying, and debunking false narratives that can fuel fear, panic, and distrust. Security agencies should collaborate with media outlets and fact checking organisations to flag and correct false information.
Enforcing responsible journalism can be an effective strategy to combat misinformation around insecurity by ensuring that media outlets report accurately, ethically, and transparently. Responsible journalism requires thorough fact-checking before publishing news, preventing the spread of false or misleading information about insecurity, verifying sources, cross-referencing reports, and consulting experts to help ensure the accuracy of the report. Monitoring and penalizing the spread of fake news can be an effective strategy to combat misinformation around insecurity and discourage the deliberate dissemination of false information.
Combating misinformation requires a collective effort from the government, media, and citizens, each playing a distinct but interconnected role. Then, rebuilding trust through transparency and accountability is crucial when misinformation about insecurity spreads, an existing transparency policy reassures people that the authorities or media are truthful and factual, which in turn helps the public feel safer and more informed.
