The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has called on the Federal Government to establish a national framework for detecting and countering artificial intelligence (AI) generated deepfakes and coordinated disinformation campaigns, warning that the threats could undermine public trust and national security ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the centre’s Second National Symposium on Crisis Communication, held from October 27 to 28 at the Nigerian Air Force Club in Kaduna State.
The symposium, themed “Inter-Agency Collaboration, Public Trust and Cyber Threat Management in Crisis Communication,” brought together more than 150 participants from the military, security and intelligence agencies, emergency response institutions, government, academia, media organisations and regulatory bodies.
Participants identified misinformation, disinformation, AI-generated deepfakes and cyber threats as growing risks to national stability. They warned that manipulated information could create public confusion, disrupt security operations, trigger panic and weaken confidence in government institutions.
The centre said the rapid spread of digital communication platforms and emerging technologies had made it increasingly important for institutions to strengthen information verification, public communication and responses to potentially harmful content.
The communiqué recommended the establishment of an Integrated National Crisis Information Architecture (INCIA) to improve coordination and information sharing among government institutions, security agencies and emergency responders.
The proposed framework would be supported by standard operating procedures, clearly defined institutional responsibilities, designated lead agencies during emergencies and secure channels for exchanging verified information.
Participants also called for stronger early-warning systems, joint threat monitoring, regular inter-agency exercises and improved telecommunications infrastructure.
They recommended the development of functional technological systems to detect and counter AI-generated deepfakes, coordinated disinformation campaigns and other forms of digital manipulation.
The centre further advocated digital literacy programmes and appropriate regulatory frameworks for social media and AI applications, stressing that efforts to protect national security must respect freedom of expression, fundamental rights and due process.
In his welcome address, CCC Chairman, Major General Chris Olukolade (rtd.), highlighted the importance of effective crisis communication to national security and public safety, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections.
The symposium’s recommendations come amid growing concerns about the use of AI to produce convincing but fabricated videos, images and audio recordings of political candidates, public officials and electoral authorities.
Such content could be circulated to mislead voters, impersonate public figures or create confusion during electoral emergencies.
The Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders have also raised concerns about deepfakes and coordinated digital disinformation ahead of the polls. At an AI and Democracy Forum in Abuja earlier in October, participants called for stronger safeguards, human oversight and greater transparency in the deployment of AI in election administration.
The communiqué identified institutional rivalry, delayed information sharing, poor coordination and conflicting public statements as challenges affecting crisis management and public confidence.
To address these gaps, participants recommended reviving the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) to promote consistency in official communication.
They also called for sensitisation programmes targeting political actors, journalists and media editors ahead of the 2027 elections.
The symposium further advocated a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to national security, involving government institutions, security agencies, media organisations, technology providers, civil society groups and local communities.
Participants stressed that military operations alone could not guarantee lasting peace, calling for dialogue, reconciliation and community engagement to complement security interventions.
The centre reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening professional capacity, institutional cooperation and strategic communication, urging stakeholders to translate the recommendations into measurable action.
It said credible information, effective crisis communication and public trust were essential to Nigeria’s national security and democratic stability.
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