The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed as false a viral social media video claiming that a terrorist attack was underway in the Abuja.
In a statement issued on Friday, the police said no such attack occurred and described the video as misleading, malicious and intended to create panic among residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the police, preliminary findings showed that the footage in the video was sourced from unrelated online materials and deliberately edited to portray a false security situation in the nation’s capital.
The Force said operatives arrested Pam Joseph for allegedly creating and circulating the video. Investigators reportedly traced the content to the suspect through intelligence gathering and digital forensic analysis.
Police warned that although citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, spreading false information capable of threatening public peace and national security is a criminal offence. The public was urged to verify information before sharing it online.
The suspect remains in custody and will be arraigned after investigations are concluded.
The statement was signed by Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.