Video Clip Of Terrorists’ Invasion Not New – Police
The Nigeria Police Force has urged Nigerians to dismiss a trending video circulating on social media purportedly showing a group of terrorists planning to invade the country.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Thursday, noted it as an edited 2018 clip.
The Police said the clip, a 2018 video, was manipulated to generate panic and fear among citizens and residents of Nigeria.
It decried the act as unpatriotic, criminal, and punishable under the law, noting that such can cause significant harm, incite panic, and heat the polity.
The Police, therefore, urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, while warning individuals who engage in the deliberate spread of false information to desist or be ready to face the consequences.
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According to the statement: “The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses a trending video depicting a group of persons suspected to be armed terrorists carrying assault rifles and other dangerous weapons with a commentary in Hausa language claiming they were migrating from Benin Republic to Nigeria, which has recently gained significant attention in the news and caused widespread concern.
‘After thorough and detailed video graphic analysis conducted by the NPF Cybercrime Centre, it has been confirmed that the video in question was originally created and circulated on 28th May, 2018.
‘Our findings reveal that the video was recently reposted with a misleading narrative and deliberate intention to cause unnecessary panic and disruption within the country.
“While urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, the Nigeria Police Force issues a strong warning to individuals who engage in the deliberate spread of false information
“It is an act which is unpatriotic, criminal, and punishable under the law reiterating that such can cause significant harm, incite panic, and heat up the polity.
The Police frown at such acts and assure that anyone found to be involved in the creation and/or dissemination of misleading content will face the full extent of the law.
‘We encourage everyone to rely on official channels for accurate updates and to report any suspicious activities or content to the authorities.”
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
