2027: Abia CP issues safety guidelines for journalists

Abia State Commissioner of Police, AIG Wilfred Afolabi

The Abia State Commissioner of Police, AIG Wilfred Afolabi, on Thursday in Umuahia listed safety measures for journalists covering the 2027 general elections in the state.

Addressing journalists at the 2026 Media Retreat and Press Week of the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia State Council, themed “The Future of Journalism in an Era of Disinformation,” Afolabi said the measures included obtaining security instructions before publication, ensuring personal safety, protecting operational information, avoiding misinformation and incitement, avoiding the publication of sensitive security movements, and establishing reliable communication with the police.

“Exercise caution when covering political rallies, protests and volatile situations. Avoid confrontation, respect security concerns and always identify safe exit routes. Protect operational information. Avoid publishing sensitive security movements, tactical deployment or live operational details that could compromise security operations or endanger lives.

“Avoid misinformation and incitement. Do not amplify unverified reports, inflammatory statements or content capable of provoking violence or communal tension. Number five, maintain communication. Establish reliable communication with the police and other relevant security agencies for timely clarification and verification of information.

“Protect your digital security. Be cautious of suspicious links, online impersonation, hacking attempts and unauthorised access to your devices and social media accounts.

“I therefore urge journalists to adopt the following security precautions in the discharge of their professional responsibilities. Verify before publication. Always confirm security-related information from credible and authorised sources before publishing, particularly reports of attacks, violence and emergencies,” he advised.

He said the command’s cybercrime unit had been trained, adding, “We have a functional private unit that investigates and attends to any cybercrime offences.”

He also encouraged media practitioners to maintain professional neutrality, particularly in the coverage of political activities, and to “ensure that their reportage promotes peace, accountability and democratic participation.”

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Afolabi assured journalists that the state Police Command remained committed to protecting life and property and providing a safe environment for them and all residents to carry out their legitimate activities.

He called for sustained cooperation, mutual trust, credible information sharing and responsible journalism, particularly during the forthcoming electoral period.

On the conduct of his officers during the 2027 elections, he said, “We have been having a series of lectures upon lectures on electoral matters. And one of the issues we place so much emphasis upon is the issue of police and law enforcement officers maintaining neutrality.

“As far as I am concerned, police officers do not have any political party. Even if you have any, it is best restricted to your bedroom, maybe between you and your wife. But I am somebody who believes in neutrality.

“And inasmuch as the boys have been taught, if any one of them goes out of his way and commits any electoral offence, the matter will be taken up. Any other police officer who gets involved in any criminal offence, he will leave. I have no regrets taking such an action.”