2027: Centre raises alarm over AI deepfakes, seeks national framework

2027: Centre raises alarm over AI deepfakes, seeks national framework

The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has called for an integrated national framework to counter misinformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated deepfakes and cyber threats ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The centre said stronger collaboration among security agencies, emergency responders, government institutions and the media was essential to preventing information manipulation and strengthening public trust.

The call is contained in a communiqué issued on Friday, after the centre’s Second National Symposium on Crisis Communication, held from Oct. 27 to Oct. 28 at the Nigerian Air Force Club, Kaduna.

The communiqué was signed by retired Commodore Kabir Aliyu on behalf of the centre.

The symposium, themed “Inter-Agency Collaboration, Public Trust and Cyber Threat Management in Crisis Communication,” attracted more than 150 participants from security and intelligence agencies, emergency services, academia, the media and other institutions.

It warned that uncoordinated communication, institutional rivalry and the spread of false information could undermine crisis response, confuse citizens and weaken public confidence in security institutions.

The communiqué identified delayed information-sharing, conflicting public statements and weak inter-agency coordination as major challenges affecting crisis communication and emergency management.

It noted that contradictory accounts of the same security incident could confuse the public, damage institutional credibility and complicate efforts to manage emergencies.

“To address the challenges, participants called for clearly defined responsibilities, designated lead agencies for emergencies and secure information-sharing mechanisms.

“They also advocated timely, accurate, consistent and empathetic public communication without compromising operational security.”

The symposium stressed that Nigeria’s complex security challenges required a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, noting that no single institution could effectively address them in isolation.

It urged security agencies to overcome institutional rivalries and superiority or inferiority complexes, while promoting mutual respect, professionalism and operational cooperation.

It recommended  the establishment of an Integrated National Crisis Information Architecture (INCIA) to harmonise information-sharing, institutional responsibilities and emergency communication.

It stated that the proposed architecture would be supported by standard operating procedures and protocols to guide communication and coordination among relevant agencies during crises.

“Participants also urged authorities to consider establishing a Homeland Security Academy or inter-agency training centre to strengthen joint training, operational coordination and emergency preparedness.

“Other recommendations included stronger early-warning systems, joint threat monitoring, secure information-sharing arrangements and regular inter-agency exercises.”

The communiqué further called for strategic communication to be integrated into security planning and crisis management.

It recommended that designated agency spokespersons have timely access to verified information, subject to operational security requirements.

It also advocated improved telecommunications infrastructure, wider access to reliable information during emergencies and regular reviews of crisis response strategies.

The symposium expressed concern over the growing use of social media and emerging technologies to spread false information, manipulate public opinion and threaten national stability.

It observed that misinformation during emergencies could trigger panic, endanger lives, divert critical resources and erode public trust.

It called for functional technological systems to detect and counter disinformation campaigns, AI-generated deepfakes and other cyber threats.

It also recommended digital literacy programmes and the responsible use of social media and AI technologies.

The communiqué advocated appropriate regulatory frameworks for social media and AI applications to address legitimate national security concerns while protecting freedom of expression, fundamental rights and due process.

The recommendations come as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, with participants urging stakeholders to strengthen public awareness and discourage the circulation of false or manipulated information.

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The CCC and relevant stakeholders were encouraged to organise sensitisation programmes for political actors, journalists and media editors on responsible communication and the risks associated with disinformation.

To improve communication and information-sharing among security and emergency response institutions, participants called for the revival of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA).

They said the forum would provide a platform for coordinated messaging, professional cooperation and joint responses to emerging security threats.

The symposium also urged stronger collaboration between security agencies and media organisations, recognising the media’s role in providing timely information during emergencies.

It stressed the need to balance public interest and transparency with professional ethics and legitimate national security considerations.

It emphasised that military operations alone could not guarantee sustainable peace, calling for dialogue, reconciliation and community engagement to complement security interventions where appropriate.

It cited the Kaduna Peace Model as an example of how dialogue and reconciliation could support security efforts and promote peaceful coexistence.

The communiqué said public trust, credible communication, transparency, accountability and professional conduct were essential to strengthening community cooperation and improving security outcomes.

It, therefore, called on government institutions, security agencies, media organisations, technology providers, civil society groups and communities to adopt a coordinated approach to crisis prevention, management and recovery.

In his address of welcome, the Chairman of CCC, retired Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, underscored the importance of strategic communication to national security and public safety.

He highlighted the need for effective communication as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections amid concerns over AI-generated deepfakes and information manipulation.

Declaring the symposium open on behalf of Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, described misinformation and disinformation as emerging national security threats.

Maiyaki advocated sensitisation programmes for political actors to promote responsible communication.

The keynote speaker, Dr Kabiru Adamu, Managing Director of Beacon Security and Innovation Ltd., represented by Mr Samuel Aruwan, highlighted the diverse security challenges across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

He stressed the need for coordinated communication and effective collaboration among security agencies.

The CCC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening professional capacity, promoting institutional cooperation and advancing strategic communication in support of national security, public safety and sustainable peace.

The centre urged stakeholders to translate the symposium’s recommendations into practical and measurable outcomes, stressing that crisis communication should be treated as an integral component of national security planning and emergency management, rather than merely a public relations function.