Nigeria Police Force has dismissed as false a viral video circulating on social media alleging an ongoing terrorist attack in the Federal Capital Territory, assuring residents that no such incident occurred.
In a press statement issued on Friday by the Force spokesman, DCP Anthony Placid, the Force described the video as misleading and malicious, warning that the spread of such misinformation poses a serious threat to public peace and national security.
“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,” the statement read.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the video was deliberately manipulated using misleading footage sourced from online platforms to create a false narrative intended to spark panic among residents of 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,” the Force added.
Following intelligence-led operations and digital forensic investigations, police operatives arrested a suspect identified as Pam Joseph in connection with the creation and dissemination of the viral content.
“In furtherance of its commitment to maintaining public order, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested one Pam Joseph in connection with the creation and dissemination of the false content. The arrest followed credible intelligence and digital forensic investigations linking the suspect to the origin and circulation of the video,” the statement noted.
The police emphasized that while citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, such rights must not be abused to spread falsehood capable of threatening public peace.
“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. Members of the public are therefore advised to verify information before sharing and to refrain from engaging in activities that may incite fear or disorder.”
Authorities confirmed that the suspect remains in custody and will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
“The suspect is currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the police stated.
The Nigeria Police Force also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national security and warned against the spread of misinformation across digital platforms.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding public order and national security, and will continue to monitor digital spaces and take decisive action against individuals who engage in the dissemination of false or misleading information.”