The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has addressed a trending video depicting a group of persons suspected to be armed terrorists as not recent, as it also warned that purveyors of misinformation with aim to create unnecessary fear and panic amongst residents in the country would face the wrath of the law.

In the video, which has been circulating on various social media platforms, the suspected terrorists who were seen brandishing various weapons, including riffles, spoke in Hausa language, claiming they were migrating from Benin Republic to Nigeria.

Clarifying this through a Wednesday statement, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) stated that the video was subjected to graphic anslysis at its Cybercrime Centre and findings reveals it was created and first circulated in May 2018.

The FPRO statement titled “NPF clarifies trending terrorist video, warns against misinformation, attempt to generate panic amongst citizens, residents of Nigeria” reads in part:

“After thorough and detailed video graphic analysis conducted by the NPF Cybercrime Centre, it has been confirmed that the video in question was originally created and circulated on 28th May, 2018.

“Our findings reveal that the video was recently reposted with a misleading narrative and deliberate intention to cause unnecessary panic and disruption within the country.

“While urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, the Nigeria Police Force issues a strong warning to individuals who engage in the deliberate spread of false information, an act which is unpatriotic, criminal and punishable under the law reiterating that such can cause significant harm, incite panic, and heat up the polity.

“The Police frowns at such act and assures that anyone found to be involved in the creation and/or dissemination of misleading content will face the full extent of the law.”

Concluding, ACP Adejobi advised everyone to rely on official channels for accurate updates, as he encouraged reports of any suspicious activities or contents to relevant authorities.