Fake News and the Fragile State of Nigeria’s Security

In today’s Nigeria, fake news has evolved from a harmless nuisance into a serious threat to public safety. A recent incident in Akwa Ibom illustrates just how quickly misinformation can spread and the real damage it can cause. Five people were arrested for allegedly circulating a false story that schoolgirls had been kidnapped from Oron Secondary School. While no abduction took place, the panic was immediate, and the state’s sense of security was rattled. Police Commissioner Baba Mohammed Azare was firm in his warning: false reports don’t just create temporary alarm. They can incite mob action, erode public trust, and divert resources from genuine emergencies. In a world where information moves at the speed of a WhatsApp forward or a viral tweet, unverified stories can become more dangerous than physical threats themselves. Fake news thrives in environments of fear and mistrust. When citizens cannot rely on official information or feel compelled to act before verifying the facts, chaos often follows. The problem isn’t just limited to social media users; it extends to public officials, whose unclear or controversial statements can amplify uncertainty and distrust. The Akwa Ibom case also exposes a deeper truth about responsibility. Security is not only the job of police or government; it depends on the choices of ordinary citizens. Every shared post, forwarded message, or unchecked claim has the potential to destabilize communities. Jungle justice, attacking suspects based on rumours remains a symptom of this larger problem, a reminder of how misinformation can spark real-world consequences. Beyond the headlines, there’s a lesson for the nation: safeguarding security in the 21st century requires more than law enforcement and leadership alone. It demands a culture of verification, critical thinking, and accountability. Citizens, media, and officials alike must recognize that every story carries weight, and every falsehood has the power to erode trust and threaten safety. Fake news is not just a distraction; it is a force that can shape perception, influence behaviour, and weaken the very foundations of national security. And until Nigeria develops the systems, education, and habits to confront misinformation, incidents like the Oron School panic will continue to remind us of how fragile public trust can be and how high the cost of a lie can run.