The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a viral social media video alleging an ongoing terrorist attack in Abuja, describing it as “entirely false, misleading, and malicious.”

In a statement issued on Friday, the Force said no such incident occurred in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the public to disregard the claims.

Police spokesperson Anthony Okon Placid said preliminary investigations showed the video was deliberately manipulated using unrelated footage sourced online.

“The video was deliberately curated using misleading footage… to construct a false narrative aimed at causing panic, inciting public fear, and undermining public confidence,” he said.

Suspect Arrested

The police confirmed the arrest of Pam Joseph, who is accused of creating and circulating the false content.

Authorities said the arrest followed “credible intelligence and digital forensic investigations” linking the suspect to the video’s origin and spread.

The suspect remains in custody and will be charged in court once investigations are complete.

Why It Matters

False security alerts can trigger panic, disrupt daily life, and strain emergency response systems.

In a city like Abuja, Nigeria’s political and administrative centre such misinformation can also affect public confidence and economic activity.

Security analysts warn that viral fake content, especially during periods of heightened insecurity, can worsen fear and misinformation among citizens.

Freedom of Expression vs Public Safety

The police reiterated that while Nigerians have the right to free expression, it does not extend to spreading harmful misinformation.

“Such rights do not extend to the deliberate spread of misinformation capable of threatening public peace and national security,” the statement added.

Authorities urged citizens to verify information before sharing, especially on social media platforms.

Growing Concern Over Digital Misinformation

The incident highlights the increasing role of digital platforms in spreading unverified security claims.

Experts say improved media literacy and stricter enforcement against fake news are essential to curb the trend.

What Happens Next

Police say they will continue monitoring online spaces and take “decisive action” against individuals spreading false or misleading information.

The case against the suspect is expected to proceed to court in the coming weeks.

The Delta State Police Command has announced a major statewide security operation, including increased patrols, stop-and-search checks, and targeted raids on criminal hideouts.

The move is part of efforts to curb rising insecurity and protect lives and property across the state.

Why it matters

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes in parts of Delta State.

Police say the new measures are designed to restore public confidence and prevent further escalation.

What the police are doing

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Command has begun deploying officers across all nine Area Commands and key locations.

This includes highways, entry and exit routes, and known flashpoints.

In a statement, he said:

“The Command has commenced massive deployment of personnel across all nine Area Commands, divisions, and other critical points within the State.”

Authorities say stop-and-search operations and round-the-clock patrols will be intensified, alongside joint operations with other security agencies.

Focus on kidnapping and criminal networks

The police say they are targeting specific hotspots linked to kidnapping and herdsmen-related crimes.

These include Owa-Oyibu, Ogwashi-Uku, Okpanam, Ashaka, and parts of Ughelli North, as well as several border communities.

The statement added:

“The Command is intensifying targeted operations to dismantle kidnapping and herdsmen-related criminal activities… to dislodge criminal elements and restore public confidence.”

Community role and intelligence gathering

Police authorities are also placing renewed emphasis on community collaboration.

Area Commanders have been directed to organise town hall meetings with residents, community leaders, and stakeholders.

Officials say this will help improve intelligence gathering and strengthen trust between the police and the public.

Emergency lines and accountability

Residents have been urged to report suspicious activity through designated emergency numbers, including control room and Complaint Response Unit (CRU) lines.

The CRU lines are also available for reporting police misconduct or human rights violations.

The Command assured that:

“All reports will be treated with utmost confidentiality and acted upon promptly.”

Call for calm and responsible behaviour

The Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order.

He urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and called on parents and guardians to monitor their children.

The statement emphasised:

“Security is a collective responsibility,”

adding that officers have been instructed to operate with professionalism and respect for human rights.

Industry and public perspective

Security analysts say intelligence-led policing and community engagement are critical to tackling crime in Nigeria.

However, they also stress the importance of accountability, especially during stop-and-search operations, to avoid abuses.

Residents in affected communities often welcome increased patrols but remain concerned about long-term solutions to insecurity.

What’s next

The effectiveness of the new measures will likely depend on sustained enforcement, public cooperation, and improved intelligence sharing.

Authorities say operations will continue across the state in the coming weeks.

The National Police Day 2026 celebrations ended with a colourful parade in Abuja, as the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the force’s commitment to professionalism, public trust, and national security.

The ceremony, held at Eagle Square, brought together officers from across the country and signalled renewed efforts to strengthen policing in Nigeria.

Tinubu Restates Reform Agenda

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the Nigeria Police Force for its resilience and dedication.

He said the Federal Government remains committed to improving police welfare, operational capacity, and reforms.

“The Federal Government will continue to strengthen police reforms, operational capacity, and personnel welfare in line with national security priorities.”

IGP Disu: ‘Time for Accountability and Trust’

In his address, IGP Disu described the event as a moment to honour fallen officers and reinforce the values of discipline and service.

“National Police Day is a moment to honour fallen heroes and reinforce the values of discipline, professionalism, and service.”

He stressed the need for a more accountable and intelligence-driven police system.

“We must build a more accountable, intelligence-driven, and community-focused Police Force.”

The police chief also assured Nigerians of ongoing efforts to improve public trust and policing standards nationwide.

Inter-Agency Collaboration on Display

The parade featured multiple security agencies, reflecting growing cooperation in tackling insecurity.

Participating agencies included the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Security experts say such collaboration is key to addressing complex threats like terrorism, cybercrime, and cross-border crime.

Why It Matters

Nigeria continues to face security challenges ranging from banditry to urban crime.

Strengthening the police force remains central to restoring public confidence and improving safety across communities.

Events like National Police Day aim to bridge the gap between citizens and law enforcement while recognising the sacrifices of officers.

Community Outreach and Welfare Support

Authorities said the celebrations were not limited to ceremonial displays.

Activities included:

Nationwide walkathons

Community service initiatives

Medical outreach programmes

Public sensitisation campaigns

Welfare cheques for families of fallen officers

These efforts, the police say, are designed to improve community relations and support personnel welfare.

Industry & Public Reactions

Security analysts note that while reforms have been promised repeatedly, implementation remains key.

Civil society groups have called for:

Greater accountability

Improved training

Better funding transparency

Residents, meanwhile, say improved response time and professionalism will be the true test of reform promises.

What’s Next?

The Nigeria Police Force says it will continue repositioning itself to meet evolving security demands.

Observers will be watching closely to see whether these commitments translate into visible changes on the streets.