IGP Olatunji Disu will headline the CCAN 2026 conference in Abuja, where journalists and security officials will discuss fake news and 2027 election threats.
As Nigeria gradually moves towards another general election, concerns over the influence of misleading information, political propaganda and security threats are expected to dominate discussions at a gathering of media professionals and security stakeholders in Abuja.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, will lead the engagement as the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) prepares to host its 2026 Annual Conference and Awards on Wednesday, November 11.
The conference, which will hold at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, is designed to examine the relationship between responsible journalism and national security, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Disu will attend as the Chief Host, while the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
With political activities expected to gather momentum in the coming months, the organisers believe that the spread of unverified information and deliberately misleading reports could create additional difficulties for security agencies and undermine efforts to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.
The conference is themed “Navigating Security Challenges in the 2027 Election: The Role of the Media in Combating Fake News.”
It will bring together senior police officers, other security representatives, journalists, media executives, policymakers, government officials and civil society organisations to consider practical ways of addressing emerging threats associated with information disorder and election-related tensions.
One of the major issues expected to receive attention is the growing difficulty of distinguishing credible reports from fabricated stories, especially on social media platforms where information can reach thousands of people within a short period.
The rapid circulation of unconfirmed claims about political developments, security incidents and electoral activities has made responsible information management an important aspect of election preparedness.
For security institutions, the challenge goes beyond responding to physical threats. False reports capable of provoking public anger, encouraging hostility or creating unnecessary panic can also complicate efforts to maintain law and order.
Similarly, journalists are expected to examine the professional responsibilities that come with reporting politically sensitive developments, particularly when inaccurate information has the potential to influence public behaviour or heighten existing tensions.
CCAN National Chairman, Festus Fifen, said the forthcoming conference was particularly relevant at a time when Nigeria needed collective efforts to safeguard the electoral process.
His position was made known in a statement signed by the association’s General Secretary, Peter Ireh.
Fifen maintained that maintaining security during an election should not be regarded as the exclusive responsibility of the police and other security organisations, stressing that the media must also contribute to creating an atmosphere where verified information takes precedence over false narratives.
He explained that journalists have an important responsibility to ensure that their reports do not become instruments for spreading confusion, encouraging hostility or worsening political disagreements.
According to the CCAN chairman, the country’s security arrangements would benefit from stronger cooperation between media practitioners and the institutions responsible for protecting lives and property.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, the responsibility of securing Nigeria cannot be left to security agencies alone. The media has a critical role to play in ensuring that accurate information prevails over fake news, misinformation and narratives capable of triggering tension and threatening national peace,” Fifen said.
He further explained that the conference would provide an opportunity for both sectors to share experiences, identify areas of concern and develop workable approaches to information-related security challenges.
The association also hopes that the engagement will strengthen professional relationships between journalists and security officials, particularly in situations where timely and accurate communication is necessary to prevent misunderstandings.
Beyond the immediate concerns surrounding fake news, discussions are expected to highlight the importance of public confidence in security institutions and the need for responsible communication during politically sensitive periods.
The media’s relationship with security agencies is considered particularly important during elections because journalists serve as a major source of information for citizens seeking updates on political activities, security developments and the conduct of the electoral process.
However, the responsibility to report accurately also requires proper verification, balanced presentation and caution when dealing with claims that could inflame tensions.
For security agencies, maintaining an effective communication relationship with the press can help ensure that relevant information reaches the public without unnecessary delays or distortions.
The organisers believe that bringing representatives of both sectors together will encourage a more coordinated approach to preventing misinformation from becoming a wider national security concern.
The annual event will also recognise individuals and institutions that have distinguished themselves through contributions to national security, public service and professional excellence.
The awards presentation is expected to acknowledge outstanding efforts by people and organisations whose activities have made meaningful contributions to their respective fields.
CCAN has called on journalists, security personnel, government representatives, civil society groups, policymakers and interested members of the public to participate in the programme.
Activities are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, at the Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, the discussions are expected to draw attention to the importance of treating information management as an essential part of the country’s broader security arrangements.
The organisers hope that the outcome of the engagement will encourage closer cooperation between the media and security institutions while promoting a more responsible information environment capable of supporting peaceful political participation and credible elections.
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