Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has firmly denied claims of any credible security threat in communities around Kuje Area Council in Abuja that circulated widely on social media earlier this week. Police officials described the viral messages as false, misleading, and deliberately spread to create panic among residents, and clarified that heightened security visibility in the area does not indicate an emergency or imminent attack.
The controversy centred on posts purportedly reporting serious threats in several local settlements, including Wowo Garage in Chibiri, Shadadi Village, Shetuko Village, Kango Village, and Passali. According to those messages, residents were warned of danger and urged to prepare for potential violence, prompting fear and speculation on social platforms.
In an official statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command said it launched a detailed review of the situation after being alerted to the online publications. The investigation determined that no known intelligence supports the claims of coordinated attacks or security breaches in the area. The posts were instead traced to sources that police described as mischief makers seeking to spread fear and panic.
The statement made it clear that although uniformed security personnel were seen in the affected communities, their presence was part of routine patrols and proactive security operations rather than a reaction to a specific threat. Policemen and other officers have been conducting visible patrols to deter criminal activity and reassure residents of their safety, but these activities should not be misunderstood as indicators of possible threats.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, personally addressed the situation during a press briefing at the Kuje Divisional Headquarters. He reassured residents that security agencies are actively engaged in maintaining peace and stability across all communities in the territory.
“Let me categorically state that there is no specific threat to Wowo Garage, Shadadi, Shetuko, Kango, Passali, or any other communities within Kuje at this time. What you see is regular policing — visible patrols, checkpoint verifications, and strategic deployments that are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that residents feel safe, secure, and confident in their environment,” Sanusi said.
Sanusi also stressed that such misinformation has the potential to incite fear, disrupt daily life, and strain community relations. “In an era where information travels rapidly, unverified reports can easily take on a life of their own. I urge residents to exercise caution, avoid spreading unconfirmed news, and always verify with official security channels,” he added.
To further strengthen public confidence, the command has increased its deployment of officers across key corridors and residential clusters within Kuje Area Council. Sanusi said these deployments are part of a broader strategy to maintain high visibility policing and swiftly respond to any genuine security concerns that may arise.
“We want our communities to know that the police are here, and we are vigilant. Our officers are on the ground, interacting with community leaders, monitoring developments, and responding to calls where necessary. Our goal is to prevent crime, not react after incidents occur.”
Residents of the affected communities have expressed mixed reactions to the police clarification. Some welcomed the reassurance, acknowledging that the increased patrols have, in fact, been a regular occurrence over recent weeks. Others said the initial viral messages caused stress and anxiety, particularly among families with young children and elderly members.
“I woke up to messages from neighbours that there was a serious threat, and suddenly people were boarding up shops and keeping children at home. When I went outside, all I saw were police officers doing their patrols like they always do. It was confusing,” said one Passali resident who asked not to be named.
A community leader from Shadadi echoed similar sentiments, saying that while residents were initially alarmed by the social media alerts, the police clarification helped restore calm. “Our people were concerned because when you see many officers at once, it can look unusual. But the police came and spoke with us directly, and we now understand that this is normal security work,” the leader said.
Authorities also emphasised the importance of community cooperation in ensuring public safety. Sanusi reminded residents that proactive reporting of suspicious activities remains a critical tool for law enforcement. He encouraged the public to use the command’s emergency hotlines — 08032003913 and 08061581938 — to report any genuine concerns or unusual occurrences.
“We rely on our citizens as partners in safety. If you see something out of the ordinary, bring it to our attention. But do so responsibly, and avoid amplifying rumours that are unconfirmed,” Sanusi said.
The police advisory comes amid broader concerns over the spread of misinformation in Nigeria and across West Africa. In recent years, false or exaggerated security alerts have caused panic in several communities, occasionally leading to unnecessary economic disruptions or unwarranted distrust among neighbours. Government and security officials nationwide have repeatedly called for greater media literacy and restraint when sharing unverified information.
In addition to the hotline numbers, the FCT Police Command urged residents to follow official channels for updates, including the command’s verified social media pages and its Public Relations Office. Sanusi reiterated that official statements will always be made available promptly in the event of actual security developments requiring public attention.
The statement concluded with a call for unity, vigilance, and calm. Sanusi assured the public that the command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, and that collaborative efforts between citizens and law enforcement will continue to form the backbone of security in the Federal Capital Territory.
As of Tuesday morning, business activities in the affected areas have resumed normally, with residents returning to their daily routines. Schools and markets opened as usual, and the mood in Kuje communities shifted from one of anxiety back to normalcy following the clarification from police authorities.
For now, the police command’s call for measured responses to information and solid community partnerships appears to have helped defuse a potentially destabilising situation. Whether this episode will prompt longer‑term strategies to combat misinformation in the region remains a topic of discussion among civic groups and security stakeholders.
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