By Nnanna Kalu (Abia State Correspondent, in Umuahia)
The Abia State Police Command said it is aware of a video circulating on social media claiming that “488 Boko Haram members were arrested in Abia State.”
The Command, in a statement by the State Commissioner of Police issued on his behalf by the Command's Spokesperson, Barrister Maurene Chioma Chinaka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, described the video as "false, misleading and intended to incite fear/unrest".
The statement also clarified that the video in question is an "old broadcast of over 11 years ago and does not reflect the current security situation in Abia State".
"The Abia Police Command, as the lead internal security agency, remains committed to its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property and sustaining the relative peace enjoyed in the State. Residents are advised to go about their lawful activities without fear.
"However, as partners in crime prevention, members of the public are urged to reject fake news by refraining from sharing, or reposting an unverified information and to rely only on credible sources for news and updates.
"The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, warns against the dissemination of false information intended to cause fear or civil unrest. Any individual found culpable will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act and the Cybercrime (Prohibition/Prevention) Act.
"Together, let’s keep Abia safe by saying NO to misinformation", the statement said. NNL. NNL.
