The Abia State Commissioner of Police, AIG Wilfred Afolabi, has listed safety measures for journalists covering the 2027 general elections in the state.
Afolabi gave the advice on Thursday in Umuahia while addressing journalists at the 2026 Media Retreat and Press Week of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia State Council.
The retreat was themed “The Future of Journalism in an Era of Disinformation”.
The police commissioner said journalists should obtain security instructions before publication, ensure their personal safety, protect sensitive operational information, avoid misinformation and incitement, and maintain reliable communication with the police.
He urged journalists to exercise caution when covering political rallies, protests and other tense situations.
“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,” he said.
Afolabi also urged journalists to protect their digital security by being careful with suspicious links, online impersonation, hacking attempts and unauthorised access to their devices and social media accounts.
He advised media practitioners to verify security-related information before publication, especially reports involving attacks, violence and emergencies.
“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 said.
The commissioner disclosed that the command had trained its cybercrime unit to investigate and respond to cybercrime offences.
“We have a functional private unit that investigates and attends to any cybercrime offences,” he added.
He also urged journalists to maintain professional neutrality when covering political activities and ensure their reports promote peace, accountability and democratic participation.
Afolabi assured journalists that the Abia State Police Command remained committed to protecting lives and property and providing a safe environment for journalists and other residents to carry out their legitimate activities.
He called for continued cooperation, mutual trust, credible information sharing and responsible journalism, particularly during the forthcoming electoral period.
Speaking on the conduct of police officers during the 2027 elections, Afolabi said the command had been organising several lectures on electoral matters, with particular emphasis on neutrality among police officers and other law enforcement personnel.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner warned that any officer who committed an electoral offence would face disciplinary action.
He added that any police officer involved in a criminal offence would be removed from the force.
“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,” Afolabi said.