Residents in Abuja were thrown into confusion after a viral video claimed a terrorist attack was unfolding in the city.
The alarm, which spread rapidly across social media, has now been described as false. Authorities confirmed that no such attack occurred in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to a statement released on Friday, April 10, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the video was found to be misleading after initial checks were carried out.
Moreover, the police stated that the footage was not real but carefully edited to create panic among residents. The development has raised concerns about the spread of misinformation online.
“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 statement read.
Furthermore, police operatives confirmed that one suspect, identified as Pam Joseph, has been arrested in connection with the viral content. The arrest was said to have been made following intelligence gathering and digital forensic analysis.
In addition, authorities noted that more investigations are ongoing to determine if others were involved in spreading the fake Abuja attack video.
Meanwhile, the police warned Nigerians about the dangers of sharing unverified information. They stressed that such actions can create fear and disrupt 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,” the statement added.
However, the police assured residents that Abuja remains safe, and security agencies are actively monitoring the situation. Patrols and surveillance have also been increased across key areas.
Therefore, citizens have been urged to rely on credible news sources and official statements when seeking information.
