The Nigeria Police Force has firmly dismissed a widely circulated video alleging an ongoing terrorist attack in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, describing the claim as entirely false, misleading, and a calculated attempt to incite fear among residents of the nation’s capital.
In a detailed statement issued on Friday from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the police clarified that no such security breach or terrorist incident occurred at any time as suggested in the viral content. The Force stressed that the video, which has gained traction across multiple social media platforms, was deliberately manipulated to create a false sense of emergency and undermine public trust in Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to the police, preliminary findings from an ongoing investigation revealed that the footage contained in the video was not original but carefully selected from unrelated online sources. These clips were then curated and presented in a misleading context to fabricate a narrative of chaos and insecurity within Abuja. The Force noted that the sophistication of the editing pointed to a deliberate and premeditated attempt to spread disinformation.
The statement further disclosed that, acting on credible intelligence and supported by digital forensic analysis, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force successfully tracked and arrested a suspect identified as Pam Joseph. The suspect is alleged to have played a central role in both the creation and dissemination of the video.
Police authorities explained that the arrest was not arbitrary but the result of a coordinated intelligence-driven operation that traced the digital footprint of the content back to its source. Investigators were able to establish a clear link between the suspect and the viral material, reinforcing the Force’s position that the act was intentional and designed to cause widespread panic.
The Nigeria Police Force used the opportunity to reiterate the limits of freedom of expression, emphasizing that while citizens are constitutionally guaranteed the right to express themselves, such freedoms must not be abused to spread falsehoods capable of endangering public safety. The Force warned that the deliberate circulation of misinformation, particularly on sensitive matters such as national security, constitutes a serious offence with far-reaching consequences.
In what appears to be a broader caution to the public, the police urged citizens to adopt responsible digital behavior by verifying the authenticity of information before sharing it. The Force expressed concern over the increasing trend of misinformation spreading rapidly through social media, often without due diligence by users, thereby amplifying fear and confusion.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to categorically debunk the viral video and assure residents of the Federal Capital Territory that there is no ongoing terrorist threat as portrayed,” the statement read in part, reinforcing the assurance of safety within Abuja.
Authorities also confirmed that the suspect remains in custody and will be formally charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. While details of the charges were not immediately disclosed, officials indicated that they would reflect the gravity of the offence, particularly in relation to incitement and the spread of false information capable of disrupting public order.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Nigeria Police Force stated that it will continue to intensify surveillance of digital spaces, working in collaboration with relevant agencies to identify and apprehend individuals who engage in the creation and dissemination of false or harmful content.
The Force maintained that safeguarding public order remains a top priority and assured Nigerians that proactive measures are being taken to prevent the misuse of digital platforms for activities that threaten peace and stability.
The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on April 10, 2026.
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