Boko Haram: Abuja Not Under Siege, Police Speak

The Nigeria Police Force has said there was no truth in the reports making the rounds that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is under the siege of terrorists.

In a statement on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Yusuf Maria, said the Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, has assured Nigerians that security agencies in the country were working hard to ensure the safety of the lives and property of residents.

Ciroma, however, asked residents of the FCT to shun the report, which was meant to create tension and go about their duties without any fear.

The statement reads: “The attention of the FCT Joint Security Team has been drawn to a viral publication in the social media purporting that the ‘FCT is under the attack of Boko Haram terrorists.

“The Joint Security Team of the FCT wishes to refute the mischievous publication targeted at creating tension among the well-spirited residents of the FCT.

“Contrary to the speculation, Heads of Security Agencies in the FCT in a bid to address security concerns held a 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 motorised/foot patrols.

“However, the patrols will be conducted in line with the peculiarities of every terrain within the territory.

“In other words, the team has adopted the use of motorcycles, horses and other technical means of gathering intelligence to checkmate criminality within the FCT.

“In view of the above, the Joint Security Team chaired by Ciroma enjoins residents to remain calm, law-abiding and verify the information before circulating such information to avoid creating panic among the public.”