The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a viral message circulating on social media, particularly WhatsApp, alleging the presence of 79 terrorists in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and announcing a curfew. The police described the claim as false, misleading, and intended to incite public panic.

In a statement released on Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, debunked the message, emphasizing that intelligence gathered by the Force Intelligence teams and other security agencies confirmed that no such threat exists in the area.

“The message, purportedly signed by me, is entirely fabricated. There are no terrorists taking refuge in Lugbe or its environs. This misinformation appears to be the work of individuals trying to create unnecessary fear and disrupt public order,” Adejobi stated.

The Police urged citizens to rely only on official sources for security updates and to verify information before sharing it. Official updates from the Nigeria Police Force can be accessed on its verified social media handles: @PoliceNG on X (formerly Twitter), @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram.

Furthermore, the Force reassured residents of the FCT and Nigerians at large of its commitment to maintaining security and urged the public to remain vigilant. Citizens were encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through designated emergency contact lines.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of all residents. We urge the public not to panic over unverified news and to support our efforts by reporting any suspicious movements or activities,” the statement added.

The Police warned against the spread of false information, stressing the need for responsible use of social media to avoid unnecessary fear and disruption of public peace.