The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed viral messages circulating on social media that claim 79 terrorists are hiding in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory (and that a curfew has been imposed.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 2, 2025, by the force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Police described the message as false and intended to incite panic.
“There is no truth to the claim that terrorists are taking refuge in Lugbe or its surroundings,” said Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi. “The message being shared is completely fabricated and should be ignored.”
The Police further clarified that intelligence reports from security agencies found no evidence supporting the alleged terrorist presence.
According to Adejobi, the false message, which was falsely attributed to him, was created by individuals aiming to create fear and disrupt public peace.
“This misleading information is the work of mischievous individuals who want to destabilize the existing peace in the FCT,” he stated.
The Police urged Nigerians to rely only on official sources for security updates and warned against spreading unverified information.
“We encourage the public to get news only from credible sources, including our official social media handles: @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram,” Adejobi advised.
The statement also reassured residents of the Police Force’s commitment to security and encouraged them to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.
“We remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of the FCT and beyond,” Adejobi added. “We urge everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or our emergency lines.”