Police debunk reports of terrorists’ presence in FCT, urge public caution

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted claims circulating on social media about the alleged presence of 79 terrorists in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the imposition of a curfew.

The police confirmed that the message, which has been widely shared on WhatsApp and other platforms, was false and should be disregarded by the public.

In an official statement, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, categorically debunked the claims, stating that intelligence reports from security agencies, including the Force Intelligence teams, found no evidence of terrorists taking refuge in Lugbe or its environs.

He further clarified that the viral message, which falsely bore his name as the signatory, was a fabrication aimed at spreading fear and creating unnecessary panic among residents.

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The police suspected that the false information was deliberately crafted by individuals intending to incite panic and disrupt the peace in the nation’s capital.

They urged citizens to be cautious about the information they consumed and shared, particularly when it had to do with security matters.

“Misinformation of this nature has the potential to cause unnecessary fear, disrupt public order, and create unwarranted tension in the society,” the statement read.

“We strongly advise members of the public to rely only on verified sources of information, including the official social media handles of the Nigeria Police Force: @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram,” he stated.

The police also warned that individuals caught spreading false information could face legal consequences, as such actions violated laws against the dissemination of fake news, which could endanger public safety.

Emphasizing the need for responsible use of social media, the NPF urged citizens to verify security-related messages before sharing them.

The public was advised to disregard unverified claims and avoid amplifying baseless rumours that could cause fear and instability.

To ensure the safety and security of residents, the police encouraged people to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the designated emergency contact lines.

They reassured the public of their continuous efforts to maintain law and order across the FCT and the entire country.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its dedication to protecting life and property, urging residents to remain calm and vigilant.

The Police assured citizens that security agencies were working tirelessly to prevent any threats to peace and stability in the nation.

“We remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of all Nigerians and will continue to work with other security agencies to address any security concerns. The cooperation of the public is crucial in our collective fight against crime and misinformation,” the statement added.

Residents were encouraged to report any suspicious activities promptly and to support law enforcement efforts by avoiding the spread of falsehoods.

The police reiterated their commitment to providing timely and accurate updates on security matters, reinforcing their stance against misinformation and public panic.