Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The FCT Police Command has debunked a false, misleading, and malicious report published by Sahara Reporters, alleging that officers of the Nigeria Police Force were arrested by the Nigerian Army in Abuja for providing unauthorised VIP escort services. This was contained in a statement signed by SP. Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, Abuja.
The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has been drawn to a false, misleading, and malicious report published by Sahara Reporters, alleging that officers of the Nigeria Police Force were arrested by the Nigerian Army in Abuja for providing unauthorised VIP escort services.
“The FCT Police Command categorically states that no such incident occurred within the Federal Capital Territory, and no police officer attached to the FCT Police Command was arrested, detained, or apprehended by the Nigerian Army for violating any presidential directive.
“The report is a clear case of misinformation and deliberate misrepresentation of facts, aimed at misleading the public, tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force, and creating unnecessary tension between sister security agencies.
“Furthermore, the claim that police officers wore uniforms resembling that of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to evade detection is entirely false, unfounded, and, defamatory. At no time did any officer of the FCT Police Command engage in such conduct.
“The Command wishes to emphasise that there was no such operation, arrest, or disciplinary process arising from the alleged incident as reported, and the story should be completely disregarded.
“The FCT Police Command strongly condemns the unprofessional conduct exhibited by the publishers of this report and reiterates that responsible journalism demands accuracy, balance, and proper verification. Media organisations and reporters are advised to always verify security-related information through official channels before publication, in line with accepted professional and ethical standards.
“Members of the public and the media are encouraged to seek clarification and verify information through the Office of the Police Public Relations Officer before circulating or publishing security-related reports.
“For verification and further enquiries, please contact:
Office of the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, via 07038979348,” it also added.
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