The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismissed the viral social media report that claimed that demobilised Boko Haram fighters were relocating to Southern Nigeria. According to the Command, the messages were fake, unfounded, and geared at creating unnecessary panic.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, speaking on behalf of Commissioner of Police CP Baba Azare, said there is no intelligence from any security agency to support the claims.
“The message is fake, misleading and should be disregarded. The content is purely fabricated to cause fear, panic, and unnecessary tension among members of the public,” she said.
The viral reports also claimed that objects embedded with tracking devices were being distributed in public places across states including Lagos, Ilorin, Rivers and others. The Police said these allegations exist only in the imagination of their authors.
Security assurance to the residents
John assured that the Command has fully activated its security architecture, including surveillance units, patrol teams, tactical squads and community policing structures across all 31 local government areas.
The Police urged residents to go about their normal activities without fear, while cautioning against sharing unverified information that could stir panic.
However, the Command encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons, activities, or movements to the nearest police formation or security outfit.
“The cooperation and support of the public remain vital to our collective safety,” the statement added.
