The Abia State Commissioner of Police, AIG Wilfred Afolabi, has outlined safety guidelines for journalists covering the 2027 general elections, urging media practitioners to prioritise their personal security, verify information before publication and maintain professional neutrality.

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 (NUJ), Abia State Council. The event was themed, “The Future of Journalism in an Era of Disinformation.”

The police commissioner identified key precautions, including obtaining security guidance before publishing sensitive reports, protecting operational information, avoiding misinformation and incitement, maintaining communication with security agencies and safeguarding digital devices and accounts.

He advised journalists covering political rallies, protests and other volatile situations to exercise caution, avoid confrontation, respect security concerns and identify safe exit routes.

Afolabi also warned against publishing sensitive security movements, tactical deployments and live operational details that could compromise security operations or endanger lives.

He urged journalists to avoid amplifying unverified reports, inflammatory statements and content capable of provoking violence or communal tension.

“Verify before publication. Always confirm security-related information from credible and authorised sources before publishing, particularly reports of attacks, violence and emergencies,” he advised.

The commissioner further encouraged media practitioners to establish reliable communication channels with the police and other relevant security agencies to facilitate timely clarification and verification of information.

On digital safety, he cautioned journalists against suspicious links, online impersonation, hacking attempts and unauthorised access to their devices and social media accounts.

Afolabi disclosed that the state police command had a trained cybercrime unit responsible for investigating cybercrime-related offences.

“We have a functional private unit that investigates and attends to any cybercrime offences,” he said.

He also urged journalists to maintain professional neutrality in their coverage of political activities, ensuring that their reports promote peace, accountability and democratic participation.

Afolabi assured media practitioners 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 sustained cooperation, mutual trust, credible information sharing and responsible journalism, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.

Addressing concerns about the conduct of police officers during the elections, the commissioner said the command had been organising training sessions on electoral matters, with particular emphasis on the need for officers to remain politically neutral.

“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,” he said.

He maintained that police officers were expected to remain non-partisan, adding that any officer found engaging in electoral offences or other criminal activities would face disciplinary action.

“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,” Afolabi stated.

He further warned that officers who violated the law would be held accountable, stressing that the command would not tolerate misconduct during the electoral process.

“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,” he added.