By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed as false a viral video alleging an ongoing terrorist attack in the Federal Capital Territory, assuring residents that no such incident occurred.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Force describes the video as “entirely false, misleading, and malicious,” noting that it was deliberately created using unrelated footage sourced online to fabricate a panic-inducing narrative.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the content was designed to incite fear, cause public unrest, and undermine confidence in the security architecture of Abuja.
The police also confirmed the arrest of a suspect, identified as Pam Joseph, in connection with the creation and dissemination of the video.
The arrest, the Force said, followed credible intelligence gathering and digital forensic analysis linking the individual to the viral content.
Reiterating its commitment to maintaining public order, the police warned against the spread of misinformation, emphasizing that while citizens have the right to freedom of expression, such rights do not include the deliberate circulation of false information capable of threatening national security.
“The suspect is currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, urged members of the public to verify information before sharing, and to avoid engaging in activities that could incite panic or disorder.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its resolve to monitor digital platforms and take decisive action against individuals found culpable of spreading false or misleading information
