Police React to Rumours of Boko Haram Attack in FCT, Reveal Next Move
- Rumours of Boko Haram attacks in the nation’s capital have been dismissed by the FCT police command
- The presence of insurgents in neighbouring Niger state had sparked speculations about Boko Haram attacks in Abuja
- The police command in Abuja has assured residents of their safety, saying the rumours were targeted at causing tension
PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
Reports that the Federal Capital Territory was under attack has been debunked by the Nigeria Police Force.
The FCT police command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Mariam Yusuf, said the fake report was targeted at creating tension amongst the well-spirited residents.
Source: Twitter
The statement, shared on the NPF FCT Command Twitter handle @policeng_fct, on Sunday, May 2, gave the assurance that residents were safe.
It was further disclosed that horses, motorcycles and other detection tools would be deployed for intelligence gathering in the FCT.
This decision was taken during a strategic meeting on Thursday, April 29, where the team resolved to deploy alternative proactive crime-fighting measures within the FCT particularly in areas with challenging terrain including aggressive motorized/patrols.
FCT residents have been advised to remain calm, law-abiding and verify information before circulating such to avoid creating panic amongst members of the public.
Boko Haram closer to Abuja
Legit.ng recalls that the governor of Niger state, Abubakar Sani Bello, had raised an alarm over the safety of the seat of power.
Speaking on Monday, April 26, when he visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp at IBB Primary School in Minna, the governor said Boko Haram elements had taken over Kaure axis in Shiroro local government area in the state.
He noted that Kaure is just two hours’ drive from Abuja. According to him, what this means is that nobody is safe anymore, not even those in Abuja.
Niger communities negotiating with bandits
An unconfirmed report had surfaced earlier, claiming that residents in Niger communities where bandits are said to hold sway have started making negotiations with the criminals for their safety.
The news was reported by Shehu Sani, a former senator who represented Kaduna Central, on Thursday, April 29.
The ex-lawmaker expressed fears that this development may mark another phase of the influence of bandits in parts of the state.
Source: Legit.ng
