The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked a false claim circulating on social media, specifically on X (formerly Twitter), regarding allegations against a supposed Deputy Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State. The claim, made by Adamu Garba Zango, a lecturer at Baze University, alleged that the officer was arrested for supplying firearms to bandits and kidnappers.
The NPF clarified that the image shared by Mr. Zango is not of any serving officer but of Kingsley Udoyen, a civilian arrested in Akwa Ibom State in 2019 for impersonating an Assistant Commissioner of Police. Udoyen was apprehended with incriminating items, including a fake police rank, an English pistol without ammunition, and portraits of various police insignias.
The Force condemned Mr. Zango’s actions as baseless and harmful, emphasizing that there is no link between the Kaduna State Police Command and the claims made. The spread of such falsehoods not only tarnishes the reputation of the NPF but also erodes public trust and safety.
In its statement, the NPF highlighted the importance of verifying information from credible sources before dissemination. The Force also warned against the legal implications of spreading unverified information, citing defamation and cybercrime laws, and indicated it might take legal action against those responsible for propagating such false narratives.
The NPF reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice and urged the public to rely on its official social media channels for accurate updates:
X (formerly Twitter): @PoliceNG
Instagram: @nigeriapoliceforce
Facebook: @ngpolice
YouTube: @PoliceNG
TikTok: @ngpolice
This press release serves as a reminder of the dangers of misinformation and the critical need for responsible social media use.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
3rd January 2025
