By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed as false a viral video circulating on social media alleging that a terrorist attack was underway in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, assuring residents that no such incident occurred in the nation’s capital.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the police described the claims contained in the video as entirely false, misleading and malicious, stressing that the footage was deliberately manipulated to create panic and undermine public confidence in the country’s security architecture.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the video was carefully curated using misleading footage sourced from online platforms to construct a fabricated narrative of an ongoing terror attack in the capital city.
“The content was deliberately designed to cause panic, incite public fear and erode public trust in the security structure within the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement explained.
The police further disclosed that operatives of the force had arrested one Pam Joseph in connection with the creation and dissemination of the false content.
The arrest, the police said, followed credible intelligence and digital forensic investigations which linked the suspect directly to the origin and circulation of the video.
While reaffirming the right of citizens to freedom of expression, the force cautioned that such rights do not extend to the deliberate spread of misinformation capable of threatening public peace and national security.
The police therefore advised members of the public to verify information before sharing it on social media and to avoid engaging in activities that could incite fear or disorder.
According to the statement, the suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public order and national security, noting that it would continue to monitor digital platforms and take decisive action against individuals involved in the dissemination of false or misleading information.
