The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims that 79 terrorists were hiding in the Lugbe area of Abuja and perpetrating criminal acts, describing the report as false and misleading.
It stated that there was no intelligence to support the claim, assuring residents that patrol has been intensified to boost security within the seat of power.
The police dismissed the report amid growing security concerns in the Federal Capital Territory,
In a statement on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, debunked the viral message, widely shared on WhatsApp and other platforms, as a deliberate attempt to incite panic and destabilize peace in the city.
“The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a false and misleading message alleging the presence of 79 terrorists in the Lugbe axis and announcing a curfew. This message is entirely untrue and should be disregarded,” the statement read.
The police further clarified that intelligence reports and security assessments had found no evidence of terrorist activity in Lugbe or its surroundings.
“The message, purportedly signed by ‘ACP Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Police Command Headquarters, Abuja,’ is a fabrication. It was generated by individuals seeking to create tension and panic in the FCT,” the statement added.
The police urged Nigerians to rely only on verified information from official sources, including the force’s social media handles, and warned against spreading unverified security alerts that could cause unnecessary alarm.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of the FCT and the entire country. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station,” the statement added.
