By correspondent in Minna.
In a startling revelation that has sparked a wave of controversy, the Niger State Government has raised alarm over the growing infiltration of fake journalists allegedly operating under false identities and dubious media organizations—posing a potential security threat and fueling misinformation across the state.
Brigadier General Mohammed Bello Abdullahi (rtd), Commissioner for Homeland Security, disclosed the disturbing trend during a pre-Security Summit Media Roundtable, revealing that his office has been inundated with visits from individuals claiming to be journalists,many of whom lacked proper identification or affiliation with any known media house.
“These individuals could be operatives of non-state actors, using journalism as a cover to spread disinformation and manipulate public perception,” he warned.
The Commissioner stressed the dangers of fake news and propaganda, especially in an age where social media and digital platforms can amplify misinformation with lightning speed, posing serious risks to peace and public safety.
He called on the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to embark on an urgent internal purge to rid the profession of “bad eggs” who exploit their platform to create tension and breach security.
However, the Niger State chapter of the NUJ fired back in a sharp rebuttal with its chairman,Comrade Abu Nmodu, claiming that the state administration has routinely sidelined trained and registered journalists in the state.
This action,he added is in favor of unqualified individuals who use religion, language, and political alignment to gain access and influence.
“These fake journalists are not self-made; they were empowered by the government itself. “Rather than working with professional journalists who uphold ethics and objectivity, the government has promoted media quackery for propaganda,”Nmodu stated.
He cautioned that undermining the credibility of legitimate journalists could endanger not only press freedom but also the integrity of information citizens rely on.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
