Police Arrest Suspect for Spreading Misinformation After Debunking Viral Abuja Terror Attack Video

Nigerian Police Dismiss Viral Video of Alleged Terrorist Attack in Abuja, Arrest Suspect

The Nigeria Police Force has firmly refuted claims of a terrorist attack in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, denouncing a viral video circulating on social media as fabricated content designed to incite fear among residents.

Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid, issued a statement on Friday categorically denying the occurrence of any such security incident in the nation’s capital.

“The Force states unequivocally that no such incident occurred, and the claims contained in the video are entirely false, misleading, and malicious,” DCP Placid said.

According to police investigations, the video was deliberately created using footage collected from various online platforms to construct a false narrative. Authorities believe the content was specifically designed to cause panic, incite public fear, and undermine confidence in the security infrastructure of Abuja.

In a swift response to the misinformation campaign, police operatives have arrested one Pam Joseph in connection with creating and distributing the false content. The arrest followed intelligence gathering and digital forensic investigations that reportedly linked the suspect to the origin and circulation of the deceptive video.

The incident highlights growing concerns about the spread of misinformation in Nigeria, particularly content that exploits security anxieties in a country that has battled terrorism in its northeastern regions for over a decade. While Abuja has experienced terrorist attacks in the past, including the 2011 bombing of the United Nations headquarters and the 2014 Nyanya bus terminal bombings, the capital has seen improved security measures in recent years.

Security analysts note that false information about terrorist activities can be particularly damaging in Nigeria’s current climate, potentially triggering panic, economic disruption, and undermining public trust in security institutions at a time when the country faces genuine security challenges in several regions.

DCP Placid emphasized that while citizens have the constitutional right to freedom of expression, such rights do not extend to deliberately spreading misinformation that could threaten public peace and national security.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to verify information before sharing and to refrain from engaging in activities that may incite fear or disorder,” the police spokesman cautioned.

The suspect is currently in police custody and will face charges in court once investigations conclude. While specific charges were not detailed in the police statement, Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act of 2015 provides for penalties for the distribution of false information through computer systems and networks.

This incident comes amid increasing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat the spread of fake news and misinformation across social media platforms. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and other government bodies have recently intensified campaigns to promote digital literacy and responsible use of social media among Nigerians.

The Police Force reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding public order and national security, adding that it will continue monitoring digital spaces and take decisive action against individuals engaged in spreading false or misleading information that could destabilize the country.