Viral Terrorists Video: Police Warn Against Disinformation

The Police has allayed the fears of Nigerians concerning a trending video depicting a group of persons suspected to be armed terrorists carrying assault rifles and other dangerous weapons which recently gained significant attention in the news and caused widespread concern.

The video also showed the supposed terrorists with a commentary in Hausa language claiming they were migrating from Benin Republic to Nigeria.

However, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement, Wednesday night, said, “After thorough and detailed video graphic analysis conducted by the NPF Cybercrime Centre, it has been confirmed that the video in question was originally created and circulated on 28th May, 2018.

“Our findings reveal that the video was recently reposted with a misleading narrative and deliberate intention to cause unnecessary panic and disruption within the country.”

Adejobi, while urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, strongly warned individuals who engage in the deliberate spread of false information, describing such act as unpatriotic, criminal and punishable act under the law.

The Nigeria Police Force also reiterated that such disinformation can cause significant harm, incite panic, and heat up the polity.

“The Police frowns at such act and assures that anyone found to be involved in the creation and/or dissemination of misleading content will face the full extent of the law,” the statement said.

He encouraged everyone to rely on official channels for accurate updates and to report any suspicious activities or content to the authorities.