Katsina State Police Command has dismissed as false recent social media reports claiming that bandits and residents of Safana Local Government Area engaged in a hostage-swap arrangement.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Aliyu, clarified in a statement on Friday that investigations revealed no such incidents in Babban Duhu, Sabon Birni, or Babanli villages.
“The Katsina State Command is aware of fake news circulating on social media, alleging that bandits kidnapped villagers, who then allegedly abducted the bandits’ relatives, resulting in a hostage swap. Investigations have confirmed that these reports are baseless,” DSP Aliyu said.
He described the rumours as “false and malicious,” warning that spreading such misinformation can incite fear, erode public trust in security agencies, and endanger lives.
DSP Aliyu reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to cooperate with police and other security agencies to maintain peace in the state. He also encouraged the public to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report credible information to the nearest police station or via emergency numbers: 08156977777, 07072722539, and 09022209690.
Comments