The Nigeria Police Force has debunked a viral video circulating on social media purportedly depicting an armed robbery incident at a traffic stop in Abuja, Nigeria.
The video, which caused significant alarm among residents and garnered widespread attention online, has been determined by authorities to actually originate from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has taken decisive action in response to the dissemination of false information. Following a thorough digital forensics analysis conducted by the NPF-National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC), it was revealed that the misleading footage had been misattributed to the Nigerian capital.
Watch: The video of the alleged robbery
The video was initially shared by an individual based in South Africa on April 22, 2024, along with a misleading caption insinuating the necessity of carrying firearms while traveling in Ethiopia. Subsequently, this content was reposted by unidentified individuals who falsely claimed the incident occurred in Abuja, thereby sparking widespread panic and unwarranted fear among residents of the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
In response to this alarming misinformation, IGP Egbetokun has ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify and hold accountable the individuals responsible for disseminating false claims about the video’s location. Legal actions will be pursued against those found to have knowingly misrepresented the incident.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, underscored the critical importance of accurate information dissemination, particularly in the age of social media where misleading content can quickly propagate. He urged the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of videos and news shared online to prevent unnecessary panic and uphold national safety and integrity.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to combatting misinformation and ensuring the security and well-being of all citizens. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by misinformation in contemporary society and highlights the necessity of vigilance and critical thinking when engaging with online content.
