Nigeria Police React As Abuja Resident Raises Alarm Over Alleged Infiltration, Presence Of Gunmen Around Community

A resident of Ushafa community in the Bwari Local Government Area of the Federal Capital Territory has raised an alarm regarding the presence of gunmen believed to be bandits in the area.

The gunmen have reportedly been in a bush for a week.

According to the resident in a post that has gone viral, farmers returning from farms sighted the gunmen behind a government school.

The resident identified as Sunny expressed the fear that bandits might attack the Ushafa community soon.

He said, "Pls and pls from information reaching out ushafa community Bwari FCT behind government school ushafa community gun men are in the bush for one week now and farmers coming from farm saw them position in the bush today now as I write they may attack ushafa community Bwari.

"Pls help us raise alarm, pls because they have been spotted over the mountains leading to Zuma which was attacked days back on Jordan FM pls we are helpless help us to shout to military and Nigerians for our safety pls Sunny from ushafa community Bwari FCT behind government school.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has reacted to the alert in a statement titled, ‘Alleged Security Threat In Ushafa: Police Assures Residents Of Commitment To Safety, Warns Against Rabble Rousers.’

The spokesperson for the command, SP Josephine Adeh in a statement on Saturday night assured the residents of the area of the police’s commitment to their safety.

Adeh said the police had engaged with the area community leaders, assessed security arrangements, and taken proactive measures, including deploying additional personnel and an armoured police vehicle to the area.

According to the police, it will not reveal detailed security strategies to the public because doing so poses a risk to their effectiveness.

However, it encouraged the public to share any relevant information with the appropriate authorities.

The statement reads in part, "It is imperative that individuals refrain from disseminating unverified information from the comfort of their homes, as it may incite unnecessary panic in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Instead, we encourage the public to responsibly share any pertinent information with the appropriate authorities.

"In Bwari, the Commissioner of Police, on the 3rd of January 2024, diligently visited all communities in the region. During these visits, he engaged with community leaders, assessed security arrangements, and took proactive measures, including deploying additional personnel and an armored police vehicle. Despite these efforts, concerns have been raised about perceived inactivity.

"However, we would like to emphasize that revealing detailed security strategies publicly poses a risk to their effectiveness. We appreciate your cooperation and urge citizens to exercise restraint in sharing potentially misleading or mischievous posts.”

“Working in harmony with the police will undoubtedly contribute to a safer and more secure environment for all," the statement added.