Police Trained Kano Youth to Fight Fake News, Hate Speech Ahead 2027 Elections
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO – Kano State hosted a youth-focused summit targeting responsible communication and curbing the spread of hate speech and fake news ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Police Youth Peace Summit was convened by the Kano State Police Command in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to develop strategies for addressing misinformation, social bias, and divisive narratives.
The event brought together young leaders, journalists, social media influencers, and civil society organizations.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori emphasized the growing threat posed by hate speech and false information ahead of a crucial election.
He said “The media space is currently awash with hate speech and fake news, which can ignite conflict, fuel violence, and disrupt social harmony”.
The Cp warned “We will not allow a few individuals to destabilize the peace of our state. Whoever promotes hate speech or publishes fake news will face the full weight of the law.”
Bakori urged young leaders, journalists, and influencers to collaborate with security agencies to foster responsible communication.
According to him “Security agencies are committed to maintaining law and order, but we need community partners to promote peaceful engagement and unity across Kano State,” he added.
In a speech earlier, Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, Chairman of the Aminu Magashi Garba (AMG) Foundation, said the summit was timely as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
“Pre-election periods are often marked by tension, misinformation, and inflammatory rhetoric, with young people frequently targeted or used to spread false narratives,” he said.
He announced that the foundation would work with the police and youth-focused organizations over the next year to organize trainings and consultations for political party spokespersons, youth leaders, and civil society actors.