The Nigeria Police Force has firmly dismissed a viral video circulating across social media platforms that purportedly showed an ongoing terrorist attack in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, describing the content as entirely false, misleading, and deliberately crafted to incite fear among residents.
The video, which gained traction on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), triggered widespread panic within the nation’s capital, with many residents expressing concern over what appeared to be a major security breach. The anxiety was further compounded by the timing of the footage, coming shortly after a recent travel advisory issued by the United States and the temporary evacuation of some embassy personnel from Abuja.
In a swift response aimed at calming public fears, the Police High Command confirmed that the video was a fabrication and announced the arrest of a suspect allegedly responsible for creating and disseminating the misleading content. Authorities identified the suspect as Pam Joseph, who is currently in police custody pending further investigation.
According to the police, preliminary findings revealed that the viral footage had been digitally manipulated using unrelated video clips sourced from online platforms. The suspect was said to have edited the material and added fabricated elements, including gunshot sounds, to give the impression of an active terrorist operation within Abuja.
One of the most alarming claims in the video alleged that the Nigerian military had transported approximately 1,000 blindfolded and chained terrorist fighters into Abuja aboard a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft. This claim, which quickly spread online, heightened public anxiety and raised concerns about the safety of residents in the FCT.
However, security sources have clarified that there was no such operation or threat. Instead, the movements observed and misrepresented in the video are believed to be linked to the ongoing prosecution of terrorism suspects in Abuja.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, had recently disclosed that about 500 individuals suspected of involvement in Boko Haram-related activities are currently undergoing trial at the Federal High Courts in Maitama, Abuja. These proceedings mark a shift from previous years, when such trials were typically conducted in Kainji, Niger State.
Under the current arrangement, suspects are transported from detention facilities—primarily located in Maiduguri—to Abuja for court appearances. After each session, they are returned to their detention locations. Security officials emphasised that these individuals are not resident in Abuja and do not pose an ongoing threat to the city.
A source familiar with the process explained that the misunderstanding likely arose from the movement of these suspects for legal proceedings, which may have been captured and misinterpreted by members of the public.
“The trials commenced earlier this week and are ongoing,” the source noted. “What people may have seen was the movement of suspects for court appearances. Unfortunately, this was misconstrued and circulated as a looming security threat.”
Despite the absence of any real danger, the viral video succeeded in spreading fear, illustrating the powerful impact of misinformation in an already sensitive security environment.
In an official statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the Nigeria Police reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and ensuring that false information does not undermine national security.
The statement emphasised that while citizens have the right to freedom of expression, such rights do not extend to the dissemination of false information capable of inciting panic, disrupting public order, or endangering lives.
“The circulation of false and misleading content, especially on matters of national security, is a serious offence,” the statement read. “Such actions can create unnecessary panic and undermine the efforts of security agencies.”
The police further disclosed that digital forensic investigations had conclusively traced the origin of the manipulated video to the arrested suspect. The analysis revealed that the footage had been deliberately altered to present a false narrative, with no connection to any real-time events in Abuja.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, signalling a firm stance against the spread of disinformation.
In a related development, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, also addressed the issue, describing the viral video as deceptive and entirely fabricated. He reassured residents that there was no ongoing terrorist attack in Abuja and urged the public to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear.
Sanusi stressed that security agencies remain vigilant and are actively monitoring the situation across the FCT to ensure the continued safety of residents. He also called on citizens to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities through official channels rather than relying on unverified social media content.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing challenge posed by misinformation in the digital age, particularly in regions already grappling with security concerns. Experts warn that the rapid spread of unverified content can exacerbate tensions, create unnecessary panic, and divert attention from genuine threats.
The Nigeria Police Force, therefore, urged members of the public to exercise caution when consuming and sharing information online. Citizens were advised to verify the authenticity of any security-related reports through credible sources before amplifying them.
“Members of the public are encouraged to rely on official communication from security agencies and reputable media organisations,” the police stated. “Sharing unverified information can have serious consequences for national security and public safety.”
The Force also reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging technology and intelligence to track down individuals involved in the creation and spread of false information, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
As investigations continue, authorities remain focused on maintaining peace and stability in the Federal Capital Territory. Residents have been reassured that there is no imminent threat and that all necessary measures are in place to safeguard lives and property.
The swift response by the police and the arrest of the suspect underscore the importance of timely intervention in countering misinformation. It also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility shared by citizens, media platforms, and security agencies in preserving public trust and ensuring national security.
Ultimately, the incident reinforces the need for digital responsibility in an era where information travels rapidly and has the power to influence public perception within moments.
