CCC Calls for Integrated National Crisis Communication Framework, Warns Against AI Deepfakes Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has called for an integrated national crisis communication framework to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, improve emergency response and counter the growing threats of misinformation, disinformation, artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfakes and cyber threats ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the Centre’s Second National Symposium on Crisis Communication, held on 27–28 October 2026 at the Nigerian Air Force Club, Kaduna State, under the theme: “Inter-Agency Collaboration, Public Trust and Cyber Threat Management in Crisis Communication.”
The two-day symposium attracted over 150 participants from the military, security and intelligence agencies, emergency responders, government institutions, academia, media organisations, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of CCC, Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd.), underscored the importance of strategic communication to national security and public safety, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections amid growing concerns over AI-generated deepfakes and information manipulation.
Declaring the symposium open on behalf of Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, described misinformation and disinformation as emerging national security threats and advocated sensitisation programmes for political actors.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Kabiru Adamu, Managing Director of Beacon Security and Innovation Limited, represented by Mr. Samuel Aruwan, highlighted the diverse security challenges across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and stressed the need for coordinated communication and effective collaboration among security agencies.
INTER-AGENCY RIVALRY, CONFLICTING STATEMENTS UNDERMINE PUBLIC TRUST
Participants identified weak inter-agency coordination, institutional rivalry, delayed information-sharing and conflicting public statements as major obstacles to effective crisis management and public confidence.
They observed that contradictory statements from security agencies concerning the same incident could confuse the public, undermine institutional credibility and complicate emergency response.
The symposium therefore called for clearly defined responsibilities, designated lead agencies for emergencies, secure information-sharing mechanisms and coordinated public communication that is timely, accurate, consistent and empathetic, without compromising operational security.
Participants stressed that Nigeria’s complex security challenges require a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, as no single agency can effectively address them in isolation. They also urged security agencies to overcome institutional superiority and inferiority complexes and embrace mutual respect, professionalism and operational synergy.
CALL FOR INTEGRATED NATIONAL CRISIS INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
A major recommendation was the establishment of an Integrated National Crisis Information Architecture (INCIA), supported by standard operating procedures and protocols to harmonise inter-agency communication, information-sharing, responsibilities and emergency response.
Participants also recommended that relevant authorities consider establishing a Homeland Security Academy or inter-agency training centre to promote joint training, operational coordination and preparedness.
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Other recommendations included strengthening early-warning systems, joint threat monitoring, secure information-sharing arrangements and regular inter-agency exercises. The symposium further called for the integration of strategic communication into security planning and crisis management, with designated spokespersons granted timely access to verified information, subject to operational security requirements.
The communiqué also recommended improved telecommunications infrastructure, wider access to reliable information during emergencies and continuous evaluation of crisis response strategies to identify gaps and incorporate lessons from previous incidents.
AI DEEPFAKES, DISINFORMATION AND CYBER THREATS
The symposium expressed concern over the growing exploitation of social media and emerging technologies to spread false information, manipulate public opinion and undermine national stability.
Participants noted that misinformation during emergencies could trigger panic, endanger lives, divert critical resources and erode public trust.
They called for functional technological frameworks to detect and counter disinformation campaigns, AI-generated deepfakes and other cyber threats, alongside measures to promote digital literacy and responsible use of social media and AI.
The symposium also advocated appropriate regulatory frameworks for social media and AI applications to address legitimate national security concerns while protecting freedom of expression, fundamental rights and due process.
CCC SEEKS REVIVAL OF SECURITY SPOKESPERSONS’ FORUM
To improve information-sharing and harmonise communication among security and emergency response institutions, participants called for the revival of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA).
The forum, they noted, would provide a platform for coordinated messaging, professional cooperation and joint responses to emerging security threats.
The symposium also urged stronger collaboration between security agencies and media organisations, stressing that the media plays a critical role in crisis communication and must balance public interest and transparency with professional ethics and legitimate national security considerations.
As part of efforts to address information manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections, the CCC and relevant stakeholders were urged to organise sensitisation programmes for political actors, journalists and media editors to promote responsible communication and discourage the spread of false information.
DIALOGUE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CRITICAL TO SUSTAINABLE PEACE
Participants emphasised that military operations alone cannot guarantee sustainable peace, noting that dialogue, reconciliation and community engagement should complement security interventions where appropriate.
They cited the Kaduna Peace Model as an example of how dialogue and reconciliation can support security efforts and promote peaceful coexistence.
The symposium further stressed that public trust, credible communication, transparency, accountability and professional conduct are essential to strengthening community cooperation and achieving desired security outcomes.
It called on government institutions, security agencies, the media, technology providers, civil society and communities to embrace a coordinated approach to crisis prevention, management and recovery.
CCC PLEDGES TO ADVANCE SYMPOSIUM RECOMMENDATIONS
The Centre for Crisis Communication reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening professional capacity, promoting institutional cooperation and advancing strategic communication in support of national security, public safety and sustainable peace.
The Centre urged relevant stakeholders to translate the symposium’s recommendations into practical and measurable outcomes, emphasising that effective crisis communication must be treated as an integral component of national security planning and emergency management, rather than merely a public relations function.
The symposium concluded that Nigeria’s evolving security environment demands a coordinated, technology-driven and people-centred approach that combines effective inter-agency collaboration, reliable information, institutional preparedness and public trust while safeguarding fundamental rights.
Signed:
Commodore Kabir Aliyu (Rtd.)
For: Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC)
