The Kaduna State Police Command has dismissed claims that over 150 people were kidnapped along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.
Police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, in a statement said the report making the rounds on social media was false and baseless.
“The attention of the Command has been drawn to a false and misleading report currently circulating on social media, claiming that between 150 to 200 individuals were kidnapped along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway,” Hassan said.
He described the news as completely fabricated, stressing that no such incident had occurred.
“To set the record straight, there has been no recorded incident of kidnapping along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway in the past two years. The area remains under constant surveillance and is regularly patrolled on a 24-hour basis by the Police, Military, DSS and other security forces,” he said.
Hassan warned media outlets and individuals to stop spreading false information that can create fear and confusion among the public.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly warns individuals and media outlets against the dissemination of such falsehoods. These misleading reports are capable of inciting unnecessary panic and disrupting public order,” the statement added.
He further stated that anyone found guilty of spreading such rumours would be invited for questioning, investigated, and possibly prosecuted.
“The Command is taking this matter seriously. Online media channels or individuals found responsible for originating or sharing such fabricated information without any evidence will be investigated and may face legal action,” he warned.
The police also assured the public that the Kaduna State Government and all security agencies are working together to keep the state safe.
“The Kaduna State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents and urges the public to rely only on verified and official sources of information,” Hassan added.
