FCT Police Clarify Stop-and-Search Incident Involving Naval Officer In Mufti

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media that a naval officer, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, was attacked during a stop-and-search operation at NNPC Junction along the Kubwa Expressway in Abuja on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Monday, November 17, 2025, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, described the claims, shared by Instagram blogger “Mazitundeednut” as “false and grossly misleading.”

According to the police, the incident occurred on Saturday, November 16, 2025, around 6:15 p.m. when a patrol team stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Camry with a concealed number plate and fully tinted windows during routine checks.

“In line with standard operational procedure, officers approached the vehicle and politely requested for the occupant’s identity, along with an explanation for the concealments,” Adeh stated.

She explained that the occupant refused to cooperate, declined to identify himself, wound up his tinted windows, and began making phone calls.

A few minutes later, three naval personnel arrived at the scene and identified the driver as their colleague. The police said the situation was handled amicably, with no confrontation or violence.

“They were also observed taking video and picture footage of the encounter before leaving. Following this confirmation, the Police team allowed the vehicle to proceed,” the statement read.

The Command expressed surprise at the viral social media claims suggesting an attempted assassination, describing them as malicious fabrications aimed at misleading the public.

“The patrol team then continued its operations peacefully and without any further incident. It is, however, surprising to wake up to maliciously crafted tales and, worst of all, allegations of assassination,” the police said.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, called on residents and visitors to cooperate with security operatives performing their lawful duties and to refrain from spreading unverified or false information.

He stressed that such fake reports could create unnecessary panic and undermine public confidence in law enforcement.

“The Commissioner of Police FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, Psc., while calling on FCT residents and visitors to always cooperate with police officers in the discharge of their lawful duty, stresses the need to shun peddling of fake and unverified news capable of creating fear and apprehension in the society,” Adeh quoted.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and maintaining peace and order within the FCT.