Police Debunk Viral Claim of 488 Boko Haram Arrests in Abia

Police Debunk Viral Claim of 488 Boko Haram Arrests in Abia

The Abia State Police Command has dismissed viral reports claiming that 488 suspected Boko Haram terrorists were arrested in Abia State, describing the information as false, misleading, and capable of causing panic among residents.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, clarified that no such operation or mass arrest took place anywhere in the state, urging the public to disregard the widely circulated claim.

According to the Command, the report was deliberately fabricated to disturb public peace and create unnecessary fear, especially across communities in Abia State. Chinaka explained that the video accompanying the claim is not recent, noting that it is an old broadcast that has been circulating for over 11 years and has no connection to the current security situation in the state.

She stressed that there has been no infiltration or arrest of Boko Haram suspects in Abia, reaffirming that security agencies remain fully alert, proactive, and in control of the state’s security architecture. The Command also reassured residents that there is no imminent threat, encouraging them to go about their normal daily activities without fear.

READ ALSO:

• Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs on Countries Supplying Weapons to Iran
• 2026 NYSC Batch A Stream II: Registration, Swearing-In Dates Announced
• Sowore Criticises Church‑Owned Universities Over High Fees

The police further emphasized that the spread of such misinformation—particularly on social media—can undermine public confidence and disrupt peace, warning that individuals found sharing false security reports would be dealt with according to the law.

Quoting the statement, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa, cautioned against the deliberate dissemination of fake news, stating that anyone found culpable would be arrested and prosecuted under relevant laws, including provisions of the Criminal Code Act and the Cybercrime (Prohibition/Prevention) Act.

The Command also reiterated that while security agencies across Nigeria continue intelligence-led operations to tackle insurgency and other criminal activities, there has been no verified incident linking the activities of Boko Haram to Abia State in the manner reported.

Residents were therefore advised to rely only on credible news sources and official communication channels for accurate information, as authorities intensify efforts to curb misinformation and maintain public order.

The police assured that it remains committed to protecting lives and property, adding that any attempt to incite panic through false reports will attract serious legal consequences.

Police Debunk Viral Claim of 488 Boko Haram Arrests in Abia