The Nigeria Police Force has clarified a trending video showing a group of armed individuals claiming to be migrating from Benin Republic to Nigeria, stating that the video is old and was originally circulated in 2018.
According to a press release by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the video was recently reposted with a misleading narrative to cause panic and disruption in the country.
The statement reads in part, “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.”
The Police also warned against spreading false information, describing it as unpatriotic, criminal, and punishable under the law.
“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.”
The Police assured that anyone found to be involved in creating or disseminating misleading content will face the full extent of the law and encouraged the public to rely on official channels for accurate updates.
