Nigeria's DSS Partners Nasarawa Journalists to Combat Fake News

The Department of State Services (DSS) in Nasarawa State has pledged to collaborate with the state's Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to combat the spread of fake news and bolster efforts to tackle insecurity. Hassan Abdullahi, the DSS Director for Nasarawa State, made this commitment during a familiarization visit by the NUJ leadership.

Abdullahi emphasized the parallel roles of journalists and DSS officers, explaining that while journalists inform the public about societal issues, the DSS reports to authorities to address problems and improve the system. He highlighted that accurate information and responsible reporting are vital for maintaining peace and public order, core responsibilities of the DSS. Misinformation and unverified reports on social media, he noted, often escalate tensions and hinder security operations.

“

The DSS recognises the media as a strategic partner in national security and we want to work closely with journalists to ensure that information reaching the public is verified, factual, and does not compromise ongoing security efforts.

The DSS Director urged the NUJ leadership to ensure its members adhere to professional ethics by publishing only verified information. "The DSS recognizes the media as a strategic partner in national security and we want to work closely with journalists to ensure that information reaching the public is verified, factual, and does not compromise ongoing security efforts," Abdullahi stated. He also assured that DSS officers would respect the duties and responsibilities of journalists in the field.

Nasarawa State NUJ Chairman Salihu Mohamed-Alkali affirmed the union's commitment to professional ethics and its readiness to educate members against sensational or false reporting. He stated that journalists in the state are prepared to collaborate with security agencies to foster stability and counter disinformation. "The union stands for responsible journalism. We will continue to educate our members on the need to verify facts before publication and to avoid content that can incite panic or violence," Mohamed-Alkali added.

“

The union stands for responsible journalism. We will continue to educate our members on the need to verify facts before publication and to avoid content that can incite panic or violence.