By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video circulating online that claims terrorists are advancing on Abuja, with heavy gunfire allegedly taking place within the city.
The Command, in a statement issued yesterday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, on behalf of the FCT Police Command, said the video was deliberately manipulated to spread fear and misinformation among residents, stressing that there has been no such attack or security breach anywhere in the FCT.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, ordered an immediate review of the footage after it began gaining traction online.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the gunshot sounds featured in the video were edited from an unrelated source and overlaid on footage showing buildings under construction in an unidentified location, with no connection to Abuja.
The Police Command emphasised that the claims made in the video are entirely unfounded and intended to incite panic among the public.
In response, the Commissioner of Police has directed a comprehensive forensic analysis to trace the origin of the video, with a view to identifying and apprehending those responsible for its creation and circulation. The perpetrators, the police warned, may face prosecution under relevant laws.
The Command also issued a strong warning to content creators and social media users against spreading unverified or false information capable of causing public disorder, noting that such actions undermine public safety and trust.
Reassuring residents, the police maintained that Abuja remains safe and secure, adding that security agencies are fully alert and committed to safeguarding lives and property across the territory.
