By SituationREPORT –
The Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN), Festus Ejiroghene Fifen, has called on government and security agencies to prioritise the welfare, safety and professional development of crime reporters, warning that the growing threat of fake news could undermine national security and peaceful elections in 2027.Crime prevention guide
Fifen made the call while delivering his opening and welcoming address at the 3rd CCAN Annual Conference and Awards, held under the theme: “Navigating Security Challenges in the 2027 Election: The Role of the Media in Combating Fake News.”
He described the conference as an urgent national intervention, stressing that misinformation, disinformation, manipulated media and unverified reports had become serious threats capable of triggering communal violence, disrupting security operations and eroding public confidence in electoral institutions.
According to him, the period preceding the 2027 general elections requires stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies, as well as deliberate efforts to counter digital misinformation and other forms of information warfare.
Fifen said crime correspondents occupied a strategic position in the national security architecture through their daily coverage of high-risk environments, military and police operations, and other security-related developments.
He noted that beyond informing the public, crime reporters play critical roles in holding security institutions accountable, promoting respect for human rights, explaining complex security operations and countering criminal propaganda through accurate and responsible reporting.
He, however, lamented the poor welfare conditions under which many crime correspondents operate, despite the risks associated with their assignments.
The CCAN chairman expressed concern that journalists were often deployed to dangerous environments without adequate protective equipment, specialised training, logistics support or life insurance.
He also criticised the practice of spending huge sums on lavish refreshments, decorations and souvenirs at security events while neglecting the welfare and professional needs of journalists expected to communicate the outcomes of such engagements to the public.
“Journalism cannot feed on souvenirs, and capacity cannot be built on a plate of rice and periodic handouts,” he declared.
Fifen urged government and security institutions to redirect more resources towards strengthening the capacity and safety of crime reporters, identifying specialised training in fact-checking, digital forensics and crisis reporting as critical requirements.Compare Security
He also advocated the provision of safety kits, protective equipment and logistics for journalists covering conflict zones, as well as modern press centres equipped with reliable internet facilities and real-time verification tools at major security commands.
According to him, investment in journalists’ welfare and professional development would deliver greater benefits to national security than expenditure on event branding and catering.Compare Security
Addressing the theme of the conference, Fifen proposed two major measures to strengthen media participation in securing the 2027 elections.
He called for institutionalised conflict-sensitive journalism, urging reporters to exercise restraint and avoid sensational headlines capable of inflaming ethnic, religious or political tensions.
He also advocated stronger collaboration between security agencies and crime correspondents, recommending that journalists be involved in scenario-building exercises and pre-election security simulations to ensure effective coordination of communication strategies.
The CCAN chairman commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, whom he described as a key partner in promoting national peace and security.Police training course
He praised the IGP’s leadership, efforts towards combating crime across the country and sustained support for the association, noting that the Nigeria Police Force had maintained an open-door policy and recognised the media as an indispensable partner in policing.
Fifen also expressed appreciation to media executives, editors, veteran journalists, sponsors, partners and members of the organising committee for their contributions to the success of the conference.
Congratulating the award recipients, he said their contributions to national security and impactful journalism deserved recognition and encouragement.
He charged journalists to uphold truth, professionalism and integrity as the country approaches the 2027 elections, warning against clickbait journalism, political inducement and the publication of unverified information.Check Voting Info
“Truth is our greatest weapon, and integrity our ultimate shield,” he said, urging crime correspondents to remain a reliable source of information amid the growing wave of disinformation.
He further appealed to government and security institutions not to regard the media as adversaries but as strategic partners in the defence of the country.
Fifen maintained that a secure, informed and resilient Nigeria could only be achieved through sustained cooperation among security agencies, the media and other stakeholders.Buy Maps
He reaffirmed CCAN’s commitment to responsible journalism, national security and the promotion of a peaceful and democratically stable Nigeria.
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