NSCDC COMMANDANT URGES NIGERIANS TO VERIFY INFORMATION BEFORE SHARING
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, Dr Olusola Odumosu, has called on Nigerians to verify information before sharing it on social media to prevent misinformation and protect national security.
Odumosu made the call while presenting a paper at the October professional meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), FCT Chapter, in Abuja.
He warned that the spread of unverified information could disrupt security operations, cause public panic and trigger communal violence.
The commandant also expressed concern over the circulation of old photographs and videos falsely presented as recent events or linked to different locations.
He advised public relations professionals and social media users to adopt fact-checking tools and ensure accuracy, consistency and transparency when sharing information.
Odumosu further urged the NIPR to include security-sensitive communication in its professional training programme and establish a verification desk to support members during emergencies.
He called on Nigerians, particularly youths, to avoid inflammatory publications and promote responsible communication in the interest of peace and national security.