By Augustine Martha Kwaada, Abuja
AIG Olaiya Tasks Journalists on Verification, Warns Against Misinformation
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, AIG Victor Olaiya, has urged journalists to make verification a priority before publishing security-related information, warning that misinformation can trigger panic and undermine public confidence.
Speaking while declaring the two-day media-security interaction open in Abuja, Olaiya said the digital age had transformed the speed and reach of information dissemination.
He noted that reports, photographs and videos could now travel across cities and borders within seconds, often reaching millions of people before their authenticity or context is established.
According to him, the failure to verify information could have serious consequences, particularly when old photographs are presented as current events or misleading headlines distort the facts surrounding security incidents.
“A rumour repeated often enough can begin to assume the appearance of fact,” Olaiya said, urging journalists to verify information before publication.
The AIG described the relationship between the police and the media as complementary, stressing that both institutions have a shared responsibility to promote a safer and better-informed society.
He said the police must improve its communication with the public, while journalists must ensure that information is properly sourced, verified and presented within the appropriate context.
Olaiya further noted that building trust between the police and the media does not require either side to shy away from difficult questions.
Rather, he said, transparency, open communication and constructive engagement remain essential to strengthening mutual confidence.
He said the two-day interaction provides an opportunity for the police and media to address concerns, correct misconceptions and develop stronger channels of communication.
