The Police, on Wednesday, June 26, dismissed a trending video on social media purportedly showing a group of terrorists planning to invade Nigeria as an edited 2018 clip.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement said the clip, was manipulated with the aim of generating panic and fear among citizens and residents of Nigeria.
He urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, while warning individuals who engage in the deliberate spread of false information desist or be ready to face the consequencies.
Adejobi wrote: “The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses a trending video depicting a group of persons suspected to be armed terrorists carrying assault rifles and other dangerous weapons with a commentary in Hausa language claiming they were migrating from Benin Republic to Nigeria, which has recently gained significant attention in the news and caused widespread concern.
‘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.
“While urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, the Nigeria Police Force issues a strong warning to individuals who engage in the deliberate spread of false information.
“It is an act which is unpatriotic, criminal and punishable under the law reiterating that such 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.
‘We encourage everyone to rely on official channels for accurate updates and to report any suspicious activities or content to the authorities.”