Police Dismiss Rumours of Terrorist Presence in Abuja’s Lugbe Area

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Ameenah Hassan

Police debunks rumours about terrorists in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed circulating social media messages alleging the presence of 79 terrorists in Lugbe, a major residential district in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a statement issued on Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Police described the viral message, which also claimed a curfew had been imposed, as entirely false and urged residents to disregard it.

The false message, which has been shared widely on WhatsApp and other platforms, was attributed to “ACP Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Police Command Headquarters, Abuja.” However, the Police clarified that the message was a fabrication, warning that it was likely designed to incite panic and disrupt public peace in Abuja.

According to the statement signed by ACP Adejobi, intelligence gathered by police operatives and other security agencies found no evidence of terrorists hiding in Lugbe or its environs.

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“This message is entirely untrue and should be disregarded,” the statement read, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force’s official communication channels — @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram — should be the only sources relied upon for verified updates.

The Police urged residents to exercise caution when sharing security-related information online, emphasizing the importance of verifying claims before amplifying them.

“We encourage citizens to rely only on credible and official sources for updates on security matters. False alarms and rumours only cause unnecessary panic and undermine collective security efforts,” the statement added.

The Police also reassured FCT residents of their commitment to safeguarding lives and property. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Force’s emergency hotlines.

This clarification comes amid heightened public anxiety over security threats in parts of Nigeria’s capital, where recent incidents have raised concerns about the vulnerability of residential neighbourhoods.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to working with citizens to ensure public safety while combating the spread of misinformation.

Ameenah Hassan

Ameenah Hassan is a content writer with experience in public relations. She has contributed to Arbiterz since 2021, writing research-based news and features on business. She is currently pursuing a degree in Mass Communication at the University of Lagos.