The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a man accused of disseminating false information concerning an alleged security breach in Abuja. The suspect’s social media post triggered widespread fear among residents, leading to significant public panic that resulted in the temporary closure of numerous schools across parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the neighboring Mararaba area of Nasarawa State. The arrest was confirmed on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, who emphasized that the action serves as a deterrent to those using digital platforms to incite unnecessary alarm.
The misinformation campaign caused considerable distress in communities such as Nyanya and Mararaba, where anxious parents rushed to evacuate their children from educational institutions, including Henjodan Primary and Secondary School and Merit Gate Scholar Academy. Students reported that school authorities ordered immediate dismissals after unsubstantiated rumors of an attack by suspected bandits began circulating online. Security agencies have since clarified that there was no official confirmation of any such incident, dismissing the claims of school abductions as entirely baseless.
Onanuga praised the police for their swift intervention, noting that the arrest conveys a firm message that the reckless spread of misinformation will not be tolerated. This crackdown on cyber-misconduct aligns with recent efforts by law enforcement to curb the circulation of malicious content. Notably, this arrest follows the recent apprehension of Ifechukwu Dennis, who was identified as the originator of an AI-generated voice note that falsely purported to feature President Bola Tinubu discussing insecurity in the South-East region in relation to the 2027 presidential elections.
As of the time of this report, the situation in the affected areas of Abuja and Nasarawa has stabilized, with authorities urging citizens to remain calm and verify information through official channels. Security agencies continue to monitor social media platforms to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for generating and distributing fabricated threats. Officials have further reminded the public that creating and sharing content intended to incite panic is a criminal offense punishable under existing laws, and that the government remains committed to maintaining public order during this period of heightened digital scrutiny.
