The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed as false a viral video alleging an ongoing terrorist attack in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, assured residents that no such incident occurred.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, described the video as “entirely false, misleading, and malicious,” noting that it was deliberately fabricated to incite panic and undermine public confidence in the security of the nation’s capital.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the footage used in the video was sourced from online platforms and manipulated to create a false narrative of insecurity in Abuja.
Acting on credible intelligence and digital forensic evidence, operatives of the Force arrested a suspect, identified as Pam Joseph, in connection with the creation and dissemination of the content. Authorities said the suspect is currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The police emphasized that while citizens have the constitutional right to freedom of expression, such rights do not extend to spreading misinformation capable of threatening public peace and national security.
The Force further urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it, warning against actions that could incite fear or disrupt public order.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the police said it will continue to monitor digital platforms and take decisive action against individuals found guilty of spreading false or misleading information.
