The Kogi State Police Command has asked residents to disregard reports circulating on social media about an alleged imminent bandit attack, particularly in Kogi East.

The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, gave the clarification in a statement issued on Monday night by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP William Aya.

He described the viral report as “unverifiable” and lacking any element of truth.

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The command, however, assured the public that all necessary measures have been put in place to prevent any security breach in the state.

“We urge the public to remain calm and verify information through official sources before sharing. False claims can cause unnecessary panic,” the statement said.

It added that residents should promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies, noting that “security is a shared responsibility.”

CP Kankarofi has ordered the deployment of tactical teams — including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Quick Response Squad and intelligence units — to strategic locations across the state.

According to the statement, additional security assets have also been dispatched to vulnerable areas to respond to any unforeseen situation.

For days, social media platforms had been awash with claims of an impending bandit attack in Kogi East, allegedly based on a “police intelligence report” circulated among security formations.

The circulated report claimed that bandits had infiltrated the state from Nasarawa through Bassa Local Government, and from Benue State via Agatu and the Bagana axis in Omala LGA. It also alleged that students of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba (PAAU), Ochaja Secondary School in Dekina LGA, and parts of Anyigba community were the targets.

The police command reiterated that no such intelligence exists and urged the public to ignore the rumour.