By Onwe Wisdom| Pan Afric Reporters
The Anambra State Police Command has dismissed a viral social media video alleging that a senior police officer is aiding kidnapping and violent crimes in the state, describing the content as false and malicious.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the video was a “calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigeria Police Force and demonize the said officer.”
The Command clarified that the officer featured in the video is an Assistant Commissioner of Police who does not serve in Anambra State. “The officer remains one of the pride of the Force in character and crime-fighting,” the statement read.
Reassuring the public, the Command highlighted progress made in curbing insecurity in recent years. “Compared to the past, Anambra State has continued to record remarkable progress in the fight against violent crimes, particularly kidnapping. This achievement is the result of the collective efforts of Ndi Anambra working hand-in-hand with security agencies to condemn and resist criminal activities in the State,” the PPRO said.
The Command also urged residents to disregard the video, while commending the sacrifices of security operatives. “The sacrifices of our security operatives in safeguarding lives and property are not in vain. We therefore call on the general public to disregard the misleading video and remain resolute in supporting lawful security efforts,” Ikenga stressed.
Warning against the spread of fake news, the Police said it would use existing laws to prosecute those behind the viral video. “The Command shall invoke the relevant Cybercrime Laws to ensure that the originators of this malicious content do not go unpunished,” the statement concluded.
