The Abia State Police Command has dismissed as false a viral claim alleging that 488 members of the Boko Haram sect were arrested in the state, describing the report as misleading and designed to cause panic.
Reacting to a widely circulated video on social media, the Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, clarified that the footage is not recent and has no connection to the current security situation in Abia.
According to the command, the video being shared is an old broadcast from over 11 years ago, now resurfaced to spread fear and confusion among residents.
Chinaka reassured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security, urging citizens to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear.
“The Abia State Police Command is aware of a video circulating on social media claiming that 488 Boko Haram members were arrested in Abia State.
“This claim is false, misleading and intended to incite fear and unrest, as the video in question is an old broadcast of over 11 years ago and does not reflect the current security situation in Abia State.
“The Abia State Police Command, as the lead internal security agency, remains committed to its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property and sustaining the relative peace enjoyed in the state. Residents are advised to go about their lawful activities without fear,” the statement read.
The command further cautioned against the spread of unverified information, urging the public to rely only on credible sources for news and updates.
Quoting the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, the statement warned that those responsible for spreading false information would face legal consequences.
“The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Danladi Isa, warns against the dissemination of false information intended to cause fear or civil unrest. Any individual found culpable will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act and the Cybercrime (Prohibition/Prevention) Act.
“Together, let’s keep Abia safe by saying NO to misinformation.”
