NPF debunks viral allegation, warns against misinformation

T The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted a false claim circulating on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as baseless and damaging to the institution’s reputation.

The claim, made by Adamu Garba Zango, a lecturer at Baze University, alleged that a Deputy Commissioner of Police serving in Kaduna State was arrested for supplying firearms to bandits and kidnappers.

The police clarified that the image accompanying the claim was not of any serving officer but of Kingsley Udoyen, a civilian arrested in 2019 by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for impersonating an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

“At the time of his arrest, Udoyen was found using a fake police rank to defraud and intimidate unsuspecting members of the public. Items recovered from his residence included an English pistol without ammunition and portraits of various police ranks,” stated ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer.

The NPF emphasized that there is no link between the Kaduna State Police Command and the claims made by Zango. The Force condemned the dissemination of such misinformation, which not only tarnishes its image but also erodes public trust.

The police urged the public to verify information from credible sources before sharing. “Spreading unverified claims is a violation of defamation and cybercrime laws. The Police may pursue legal action against individuals or entities responsible for disseminating falsehoods,” Adejobi warned.

The NPF encouraged citizens to rely on its official social media channels for updates:

X (formerly Twitter): @PoliceNG

Instagram: @nigeriapoliceforce

Facebook: @ngpolice

YouTube: @PoliceNG

TikTok: @ngpolice