The Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative (GMI) has issued a stark warning about the escalating spread of fake news and disinformation across Nigeria, asserting that this trend now constitutes a grave threat to national security and social harmony. In a statement released on Friday, the group condemned what it termed 'malicious elements and unpatriotic citizens' who deliberately fabricate and circulate false information to erode trust between the populace and the government, thereby fueling instability.
GMI Accuses Malicious Actors of Exploiting Digital Platforms
According to a statement by GMI's National Coordinator, Samaila Musa, the intentional distortion of facts and outright fabrication of stories has transcended mere political propaganda. It has evolved into a direct assault on Nigeria's peace, unity, and security. The organization emphasized that Nigeria is already grappling with numerous security challenges and cannot afford additional threats from individuals who misuse digital platforms to spread misinformation capable of inciting violence and social unrest.
Musa elaborated: 'As a grassroots organization deeply connected to the realities of ordinary Nigerians, we feel compelled to speak out. The deliberate twisting of facts and the outright fabrication of stories have reached an alarming level that can no longer be overlooked. Nigeria is currently confronting serious security issues on multiple fronts, and we cannot allow digital saboteurs to push the nation into preventable crises through lies.'
Advanced Technology Used to Spread Disinformation
Musa highlighted that the current situation goes beyond the casual sharing of unverified rumors on messaging platforms like WhatsApp. Mischief-makers and desperate actors are now leveraging advanced technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to forge official documents, clone the voices of top government officials, and create deepfake videos of religious and regional leaders. These manipulated videos and audios are intentionally produced in local languages to deceive the public, create panic, and trigger spontaneous violence in communities.
'When people can no longer distinguish between a genuine statement from security agencies and a fabricated clip designed to cause trouble, our collective safety is in extreme danger,' Musa warned. He stressed that Nigeria's diversity requires careful guarding of unity, and inventing stories about ethnic attacks, military compromises, or artificial economic failure is not freedom of speech but clear sabotage against the country's peace and survival.
Three Critical Areas of Harm Identified by GMI
The group identified three major areas where fake news and disinformation are causing significant damage. First, the circulation of false military casualty figures, doctored videos of security operations, and misleading narratives about the armed forces undermine the morale of troops engaged in frontline operations against insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements. Second, in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, engineered lies can spark immediate reprisal attacks, with online actors attempting to pit the North against the South and Christians against Muslims for traffic, followers, or political sponsorship. Third, while citizens have the constitutional right to criticize policies and demand accountability, there is a clear line between constructive opposition and deliberate subversion. Forging official circulars, creating fake Central Bank of Nigeria policies, and inventing corruption stories to provoke violent protests can lead to anarchy.
Call for Immediate Action
Musa urged citizens to verify sensitive security or political news before sharing, stating, 'Before you click “share” or “forward” on any sensitive security or political news, ask yourself if it is from a verified, credible mainstream media house. If you share a video that ends up causing a riot or loss of life in another part of the country, you are just as guilty as the rioters.' GMI also called on law enforcement and security agencies to strengthen enforcement of existing cybercrime laws and ensure that individuals operating fake-news networks are identified and brought to justice, regardless of social status, political affiliation, or geographical location.
The organization urged major social media companies, including Meta, X, and TikTok, to improve their monitoring systems and swiftly remove harmful content, particularly misinformation translated into local Nigerian languages that could incite violence. GMI emphasized that while economic setbacks can be overcome through policy reforms and collective national effort, the consequences of ethnic and religious conflicts fueled by disinformation could have far-reaching and lasting effects on the country's unity.
Musa concluded: 'The Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative reminds all citizens that a damaged economy can be repaired, but a nation torn apart by ethnic and religious violence fuelled by digital lies is difficult to rebuild. We must choose patriotism over viral engagement. Let us protect Nigeria’s security by refusing to be tools for spreading falsehood.'
