By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups in the habit of fabricating or exaggerating security incidents in the state, especially on social media platforms, saying it will no longer tolerate such acts of deliberate misinformation and calculated mischief.
The Command, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, and made available to newsmen in Awka on Wednesday, expressed deep concern over the disturbing trend of mischievous dissemination of false, misleading or alarmist security-related information with the clear intent to incite public fear, undermine security efforts, and discredit law enforcement agencies in the state.
The Police described the act as malicious, reckless, and dangerously unpatriotic, warning that it undermines not just the credibility of the security agencies, but also weakens public trust and can even disrupt ongoing security operations.
According to the statement, the Police Command has launched a comprehensive security assessment and intelligence-driven operation to trace and expose those behind the spread of inciting, panic-laced or unverified security information, vowing to bring the full weight of the law upon them.
It further stated that culprits will not only be exposed but also prosecuted in line with relevant provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and other extant laws, as their actions pose a serious threat to the stability and peace of the State.
The Command, however, advised members of the public to desist from spreading unverified security reports or falling for baseless alarmism, urging them instead to channel any intelligence or suspicious activity through the official communication lines of the Anambra State Police Command for appropriate action.
The statement further reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the State, while maintaining professionalism, transparency and cooperation in the discharge of its duties.
The Police also called on the public to continue supporting the security agencies in their resolve to rid the state of criminal elements and maintain law and order, assuring that peace and security remain the topmost priority of the Command.
