The Nigeria Police Force has blown the lid off a viral video that sent shockwaves across social media with claims of a terrorist attack in Abuja, declaring the alarming footage completely fake and deliberately designed to cause chaos.
A statement signed by DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACIDE, Force Public Relations Officer noted that in swift and decisive response, the Force moved to calm public fears, insisting there was no attack anywhere in the Federal Capital Territory and warning Nigerians not to be misled by manipulated content spreading rapidly online.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to categorically debunk a viral video circulating on social media alleging an ongoing terrorist attack in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The Force states unequivocally that no such incident occurred, and the claims contained in the video are entirely false, misleading, and malicious.”
Investigations revealed a calculated attempt to weaponize misinformation, with the video allegedly stitched together from unrelated clips to paint a frightening but false picture of insecurity in the nation’s capital.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the video was deliberately curated using misleading footage sourced from online platforms to construct a false narrative aimed at causing panic, inciting public fear, and undermining public confidence in the security architecture of the nation’s capital.”
Acting on intelligence and digital forensic trails, police operatives tracked down and arrested one Pam Joseph, believed to be behind the creation and circulation of the viral clip that triggered widespread anxiety.
“The arrest followed credible intelligence and digital forensic investigations linking the suspect to the origin and circulation of the video.”
The Force did not mince words in warning that freedom of expression must not be twisted into a tool for spreading fear, emphasizing that such actions carry serious consequences.
“The Force reiterates that while citizens have the right to freedom of expression, such rights do not extend to the deliberate spread of misinformation capable of threatening public peace and national security.”
Nigerians have also been urged to think twice before hitting the share button, especially on sensitive security-related content that could escalate tension.
“The suspect is currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”
Reassuring residents, the police maintained that Abuja remains secure and under control, while vowing to intensify surveillance of digital platforms and clamp down on purveyors of fake news.
