Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - Nigerian police have denounced as “completely false, misleading, and maliciously disseminated messages” claims contained in videos circulating on social media alleging that the Nigerian capital, Abuja, has been attacked by a jihadist group.
In a statement released today, April 10, police said the video circulating online was deliberately compiled from unrelated material to spread panic and misinform the public about the security situation in the Federal Territory of Abuja.
One person has already been arrested for posting the video in question. “The arrest was made based on credible information and digital forensic investigations that linked the suspect to the origin and distribution of the video,” the statement reads. The fake video was released one day after the US Embassy in Abuja issued a travel warning advising US citizens against traveling to Nigeria. The US government specifically warned its citizens of potential dangers when traveling to 23 of Nigeria's 36 states. The US State Department also authorized the evacuation of embassy staff and their families from Nigeria, citing the deteriorating security situation in the country. The embassy also announced the temporary closure of its visa section, clarifying that services for US citizens would remain available in emergencies and by appointment. It did not specify a reason for the closure or its duration.
Meanwhile, credible reports of attacks by so-called "bandits" continue to emerge from various parts of Nigeria. On April 9, the following incidents were reported: In Sokoto State, at least five people were killed and 22 others abducted in attacks at three different locations; in Plateau State, Fulani herders killed at least eight people in the village of Mbwelle; In Borno State, a general and several soldiers were killed in an attempted attack on a military base in Benischeikh; and in Zamfara State, a community health worker and five others were killed when a health center in the community of Yarkatsinan Laka, in Bungudu Local Government Area was set on fire. According to a police spokesperson, the facility was attacked by a “large group of bandits on more than 50 motorcycles equipped with modern weapons.” In northern Nigeria, nearly 100 people were killed by jihadists and criminal gangs between Easter Sunday and Thursday, April 9, as they intensified their raids on military bases and villages. (L.M.) (Agenzia , 10/4/2026)
