Esther Salifu
The Jigawa State Police Command has cautioned Nigerians against spreading unverified social media content after a viral video falsely claiming that armed bandits had invaded Dutse, the state capital, caused widespread panic online.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, described the footage as “entirely fabricated and misleading,” saying that investigations confirmed the video did not depict criminals but local hunters returning from a security meeting.
“The individuals seen in the clip are members of the Peace and Security Service Organisation from Bauchi State,”
. “They were carrying traditional hunting gear -Dane guns, bows, and arrows—and were returning from a gathering in Chai-Chai Sabuwa, Ringim Local Government Area, when someone filmed them. This is a case of misrepresentation that could have caused unnecessary alarm.”Adam said .
The misleading post, which alleged that dozens of armed men on motorcycles stormed Dutse around 12:47 a.m. on October 28, quickly gained traction on social media, prompting fears of a bandit incursion.
Police authorities said such misinformation not only threatens public peace but also undermines security agencies’ efforts to maintain calm.
Commissioner of Police Dahiru Muhammad urged residents to verify information before sharing and to rely on credible sources for updates. “We call on the public to disregard false reports, remain calm, and go about their lawful activities. Security in Jigawa remains stable,” he said.
He also thanked residents for their cooperation in sharing useful intelligence and reminded them to report suspicious movements to the nearest police station.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to safety, Adam emphasized that Jigawa continues to be one of the most peaceful states in the North-West despite regional security challenges. “Together, with public support and vigilance, we will sustain peace and security across the state,” he said.
The incident has reignited concerns about the rapid spread of misinformation online and its potential to cause panic, especially in regions sensitive to security issues.
Security analysts warn that such false reports can distract authorities and erode public confidence, underscoring the need for responsible digital citizenship and timely fact-checking by media users.
