The Nigeria Police Force has refuted claims circulating on social media about the presence of 79 terrorists in the Lugbe area of Abuja, calling it false and misleading.
In a statement on Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, debunked the message, which also falsely announced a curfew in the area. He clarified that intelligence reports from security agencies do not indicate any such threat.
“The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a false and misleading message circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, alleging the presence of 79 terrorists in the Lugbe axis and environs, and announcing a curfew. This message is entirely untrue and should be disregarded”, AXP Adejobi said.
“The message, purportedly signed by “ACP Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Police Command Headquarters, Abuja”, is a fabrication,” ACP Adejobi said further.
According to police, the rumor was spread by individuals trying to incite fear and disrupt the peace in the Federal Capital Territory. They urged the public to rely only on verified sources such as the official police social media pages (@PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram) for accurate information.
While reassuring residents of their safety, the police also advised Nigerians to be cautious about spreading unverified news, as false alarms can create unnecessary panic.
“The Force believes this message was generated by a devious person/persons with intents to create tension, incite panic and distabilize the existing peace in the FCT. We urge citizens to digest only news and information from the official handles of the Nigeria Police Force on social media, viz @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram and verified news sources”, the statement added.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and residents of the Federal Capital Territory and the entire country. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through our emergency contact lines. The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the cooperation of the public and assures them of our unwavering dedication to protecting lives and property”, the statement added further.
