The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed as false a viral video alleging an ongoing terrorist attack in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, describing the claim as misleading and malicious.
In a statement issued on Friday by Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the police said no such incident occurred, urging residents not to panic.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the video was deliberately manipulated using unrelated footage sourced online to create a false narrative aimed at inciting fear and undermining public confidence in the security situation in the nation’s capital.
The police disclosed that a suspect, identified as Pam Joseph, has been arrested in connection with the creation and circulation of the video. The arrest followed intelligence gathering and digital forensic investigations linking the suspect to the content.
“The claims contained in the video are entirely false, misleading, and malicious,” the statement said, warning against the spread of unverified information.
The Force emphasized that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it does not cover the intentional dissemination of misinformation capable of threatening public peace and national security.
The suspect remains in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, the police added.
Reassuring residents, the police said they remain committed to maintaining public order and will continue to monitor digital platforms while taking decisive action against those spreading false information.
