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NSCDC Warns Nigerians Against Fake Videos, Misinformation

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned Nigerians against spreading misinformation, fake videos and propaganda capable of worsening insecurity and triggering attacks on innocent citizens.

The Commandant of the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory Command, Dr Olusola Odumosu, issued the warning during a nationwide roadshow organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Abuja ahead of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the Chairman of the NIPR FCT Chapter, Stanley Ogadigo.

Odumosu said the circulation of unverified information, particularly on social media, could create panic, heighten political tension and provide an avenue for criminal activities, including banditry and kidnapping.

He stressed the need for Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, noting that old videos and unrelated content were often presented as current events, thereby creating unnecessary fear and confusion.

“In combating insecurity, it is very germane that we create this awareness because there is so much misinformation and miscommunication and various forms of propaganda that are not good for our collective well-being,” Odumosu said.

He cited instances where old videos depicting crises from several years ago were circulated as though they showed current incidents.

According to him, such misleading content could cause people to take unnecessary measures based on false information and could further inflame tensions in affected communities.

Odumosu said, “Somebody would just wake up from somewhere, bring out a video that is as old as 20 years, where maybe a crisis happened, target happenings now in places like Kano State and start dishing out instructions like ‘Everybody, if you are going to Kano, please take a detour.’

“Such irresponsible communication can heat the political climate.”

The NSCDC commander noted that the failure of many social media users to verify information before forwarding it had contributed to panic, confusion and, in some instances, attacks against innocent people.

He therefore urged Nigerians, particularly young people who constitute a large proportion of social media users, to exercise caution and responsibility when creating, sharing or commenting on security-related information.
He said information capable of provoking violence or encouraging criminal activities should not be circulated.

“So, the essence is for us to learn to communicate responsibly, especially in this age of social media,” Odumosu said.

“People ought to know that it is not too good to send out information that can heat the polity or things that can make people start attacking themselves and encourage banditry, kidnapping and all of that.

“This is why I find the theme of this World Public Relations Forum very apt.

So, I am saying this so that we can send out a message loud and clear that we should endeavour to communicate responsibly, especially to our youth in this age of social media. People should use social media responsibly.”

AI, social media misinformation raise concern
The Chairman of the National Planning Committee for the World Public Relations Forum, Dr Suleiman Haruna, also called for greater responsibility in the use of social media, particularly amid the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

Haruna said the theme of the forthcoming forum, “Responsible Communications:

Voice of the World,” was designed to address growing concerns about information integrity and the misuse of communication platforms.

The increasing availability of artificial intelligence tools has made it easier to create and circulate manipulated or misleading content, making verification increasingly important before information is shared with the public.

NIPR seeks support for Nigeria’s global image
Also speaking at the event, Ogadigo described Nigeria’s hosting of the World Public Relations Forum as a major opportunity to improve the country’s reputation before the international community.

He called on Nigerians, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to support the event, describing it as an important platform for projecting a different image of the country globally.

“Today is a very remarkable day because Nigeria is hosting the World Public Relations Forum. This project is very significant to Nigeria because, for us, it’s a reputation project for the country,” Ogadigo said.

He noted that Nigeria had worked to secure the hosting rights and that the 2026 edition would be the first time the World Public Relations Forum would be held in the country.

He added that Nigeria’s hosting would also mark only the second time the global forum would be held on the African continent.

Ogadigo commended the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, for giving attention to the event and urged individuals and corporate bodies to support the initiative.

“We want to call on every responsible Nigerian and corporate entity, and whoever is a stakeholder in this project, to come together.

Let us redefine Nigeria before the global community,” he said.

He disclosed that Dangote had committed to attending and supporting the forum, while the World Bank, United Nations and World Customs Organisation were also expected to participate.

Forum to attract 3,000 delegates
The forthcoming World Public Relations Forum is expected to attract approximately 3,000 delegates from 126 member countries of the Global Alliance.

The event is being organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the NIPR.

The Presidency had earlier assured the organisers of its support for the international forum.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the assurance on August 20 when he received members of the WPRF Abuja 2026 Planning Committee at the State House.

The organisers said the forum would provide an opportunity for professionals, governments, businesses and international organisations to examine the role of responsible communication in an era increasingly shaped by social media, artificial intelligence and rapidly changing information channels.

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Rivers Man Arrested for Allegedly Macheting Father to Death

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A man identified as Seth has been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command for allegedly macheting his father to death in the Pipeline area of Rumukwurushi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

The incident reportedly occurred during the absence of the suspect’s mother, who is a teacher and had gone to work.

According to a neighbour who spoke on condition of anonymity, the suspect, believed to be in his 20s, allegedly attacked his father inside their residence.

The neighbour said the deceased had reportedly confronted his son on several occasions over his alleged consumption of a hard liquor known as “Ice”, which was said to have caused tension between them.

She explained that when the suspect’s mother returned from work, she noticed that the house was in disarray and asked her son what had happened.

The woman reportedly found her husband lying inside the house and initially thought he was asleep. However, concerned by the condition of the house, she went outside and called for assistance.

A person who entered the house reportedly confirmed that the man was dead.

According to the neighbour, the suspect subsequently locked the room where his father’s body was located and remained inside.

The woman’s cries reportedly attracted members of a local vigilante group and the police, who forced the door open.

The suspect was allegedly found with bloodstains on his hands and reportedly admitted to killing his father.

The neighbour said the exact circumstances that led to the alleged attack remained unclear.

She added that the suspect might have had an argument with his father, but said she could not establish what triggered the confrontation.

The deceased was reportedly attacked with a machete, sustaining multiple injuries, including injuries around the neck.

A video circulating on social media also showed the grieving woman recounting the incident to individuals believed to be members of a vigilante group.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the arrest.

Agabe said the suspect was in police custody while investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Yes, I can confirm. The suspect in question has been arrested, while investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident,” she said.

The police have not disclosed further details about the suspect’s alleged motive or whether charges have been filed.

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LASTMA impounds 84 vehicles, arrests attackers during Lagos traffic enforcement

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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles for various traffic offences during an enforcement operation across major traffic flashpoints in the state.

The enforcement exercise was carried out at Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu as part of efforts to restore order and ensure compliance with Lagos State traffic regulations.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki said the operation was targeted at persistent traffic violations by motorists and commercial bus operators, particularly on routes where such infractions have continued to affect the free flow of traffic and endanger road users.

He expressed particular concern over the practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo towards Idumota through Carter Bridge.

According to him, the manoeuvre is dangerous because it can catch motorists, commuters and pedestrians unaware and potentially lead to serious road crashes, injuries and fatalities.

“The enforcement exercise was principally aimed at restoring sanity, orderliness and strict compliance with extant traffic regulations.

“This is particularly along corridors where persistent violations by recalcitrant motorists and commercial bus operators have continued to pose a formidable threat to road safety and the unhindered movement of traffic,” Bakare-Oki said.

The LASTMA general manager, however, disclosed that enforcement officers encountered resistance from some individuals during the operation.

He said some LASTMA personnel were physically assaulted and injured while carrying out their statutory responsibilities.

Bakare-Oki added that some of the individuals described as miscreants and hoodlums who allegedly attacked LASTMA officials and damaged operational vehicles were apprehended.

He said the agency would continue to enforce traffic regulations despite resistance from individuals involved in activities that disrupt traffic management.

Bakare-Oki also reiterated LASTMA’s warnings against the occupation of under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other unauthorised locations for use as illegal garages.

He explained that such practices obstruct effective traffic management and create additional risks for motorists, commuters, pedestrians and other road users.

According to him, the sustained enforcement campaign is designed not only to secure compliance with existing traffic regulations but also to discourage dangerous driving practices and protect lives and property across Lagos.

The LASTMA boss therefore urged commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions and other stakeholders to desist from driving against traffic, dangerous reversing, illegal parking and indiscriminate loading.

He also warned road users against converting under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other unauthorised areas into garages or loading points.

Bakare-Oki said motorists and transport operators who continued to violate traffic regulations would face appropriate enforcement measures in accordance with existing Lagos State traffic laws.

The agency’s latest operation comes amid continued efforts to tackle traffic violations and improve road safety across major Lagos corridors.

LASTMA urged all road users to cooperate with its officials and comply with traffic regulations to reduce avoidable incidents and ensure smoother movement across the state.

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Remain Professionally Ready, Naval Chief Urges 135 New Officers

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The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has charged 135 newly commissioned Nigerian Navy officers to remain physically fit, professionally competent and operationally ready as they begin their careers in the Armed Forces.

Abbas gave the charge on Saturday during the Combined Passing Out Parade, Pipping and Commissioning Ceremony held at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Afaka, Kaduna State.

The ceremony was attended by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, alongside other senior government officials, military officers, families and invited guests.

While congratulating the newly commissioned officers, the Chief of the Naval Staff urged them to uphold the highest standards of discipline, loyalty and professional integrity in the discharge of their duties.

He reminded the officers that their oath of allegiance must remain the guiding principle of their conduct and service to the nation.

According to him, their commissioning should not be regarded as the end of their training, but as the beginning of a demanding career characterised by leadership, responsibility and loyal service to Nigeria.

Abbas urged the officers to avoid misconduct and other vices capable of damaging their integrity, undermining public confidence or prematurely ending their military careers.

He also stressed the importance of physical fitness, professional competence and operational preparedness, particularly as the Nigerian Navy continues to perform responsibilities across the country’s maritime domain and participate in joint military operations.

The Naval Chief said the Navy was operating in an increasingly complex security environment, requiring officers to remain adaptable and prepared to respond effectively to emerging threats.

“As the Navy confronts increasingly complex security challenges, you must be ready at all times to lead, adapt and serve with courage, honour and unwavering commitment to duty,” Abbas told the officers.

He further urged the newly commissioned personnel to preserve the traditions and values of the Nigerian Navy while maintaining discipline, professionalism and dedication throughout their careers.

The commissioning ceremony formed part of the combined passing out activities involving cadets of the 73 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, as well as personnel of the Short Service Course 49 of the Nigerian Army, Direct Short Service Course 34 and Branch Commission Course 3 of the Nigerian Air Force.

The newly commissioned officers are expected to assume their respective responsibilities across the Armed Forces as they begin their professional careers in the service of the nation.

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