The Kaduna State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the deliberate recirculation of an old video showing the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber, which authorities say is aimed at provoking religious disharmony and chaos in the state.
Deliberate Misinformation Campaign
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the video depicting the arrest of Nathaniel Samuel as a suspected suicide bomber is several years old but has been deliberately resurrected and is currently trending on social media platforms. Hassan emphasized that the video does not represent any recent incident in Kaduna State.
In an official statement, Hassan clarified that the renewed circulation appears carefully calculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary fear, panic, and division among residents. The police spokesperson warned that individuals promoting such inciting content on social media will be severely dealt with once identified.
Commissioner of Police Reassures Residents
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, strongly debunked claims of an ongoing ethno-religious crisis in Kaduna, describing such narratives as fabrications by enemies of the state circulating on social media.
CP Muhammad emphasized that Kaduna State currently ranks among the most peaceful states in Nigeria, with farmer-herder clashes becoming a thing of the past. He credited this improved security situation to the command's collaborative efforts with the state government.
"The Command, in collaboration with the state government, has been advocating religious tolerance and cooperation between farmers and herders to prevent violence. This non-kinetic approach in crime prevention has brought solace to the state," the Commissioner stated.
Public Urged to Exercise Caution
The police commissioner has appealed to the public to remain calm and exercise restraint when encountering potentially inflammatory content online. He specifically urged residents to verify information thoroughly before sharing any content capable of causing disharmony.
"Kaduna State has made significant progress in strengthening security and promoting peaceful coexistence and we must all work collectively to protect these gains," Hassan conveyed on behalf of the commissioner.
The police command remains committed to safeguarding the peace, security, and unity of all Kaduna residents. Anyone found culpable in the circulation of the misleading content will face the full weight of the law as the investigation continues.
