By Damilare Adeleye

The Nigerian Police Force has clarified a trending video depicting a group of persons suspected to be armed terrorists carrying assault rifles and other dangerous weapons claiming they were migrating from Benin Republic to Nigeria.

The Force, in a statement issued by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, its Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the video in question was originally created and circulated on 28th May, 2018, but was reposted with a misleading narrative and deliberate intention to cause unnecessary panic and disruption within the country.

While urging the general public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, the Police warned against delibrate spread of false information.

The statement read, “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, 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 frowns at such act and assures 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.”