The Enugu State Police Command have dismissed viral social media reports alleging an imminent terrorist attack, infiltration, and mass kidnapping on the campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and its environs.
The Command categorically stated that the report is false, misleading, and deliberately intended to incite fear and panic within the university community and surrounding areas.
This clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Monday.
It came on the heels of a viral social media statement alleging that Islamic terror bandits disguised as commercial motorcyclists had infiltrated the Nsukka community to scout the university.
The report claimed that terrorists planned to launch an attack “in the coming weeks” through the Obokpa axis to abduct students.
The anonymous authors tried to validate the claim by describing current ongoing gate construction and recently tarred roads around the UNN campus.
Reacting, authorities confirmed that there is no verified intelligence or credible threat supporting these claims.
Ndukwe stated that “Intelligence and threat assessments conducted by the Command have revealed no credible information or trend suggesting any planned attack or security threat to the university community.
“Moreover, in collaboration with the university authorities and other security agencies, the Command has emplaced adequate security measures within and around the institution and will continue to strengthen them as necessary to ensure the safety of lives and property.”
The Command recalled that the perpetrators of the false report, a criminal syndicate operating under the guise of “Anonymous” and other social media aliases, have repeatedly circulated similar alarmist claims over the years to incite fear, cause public panic, and undermine peace and security in the State.
“However, intelligence-led investigations are ongoing to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible for spreading the false information and their collaborators,” the statement assured.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has reassured the management, staff, students, and residents of the university community that adequate security measures remain in place.
The CP reiterated the Command’s commitment to preventing crime and responding decisively to any threat to public safety in Enugu State.
He urged members of the public to disregard the false report and desist from sharing unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic, as such actions may attract legal sanctions.
CP Giwa further enjoined citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest police station or through other established security channels.
