The Gombe State Police Command has dismissed claims that bandits have infiltrated the state.
The state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Muhammad Mu’azu, had in a viral video on Tuesday alleged that there was an intelligence report that bandits had infiltrated Gombe State and recruited informants.
But in a statement signed on Friday by the Public Relations Officer, Mahid Abubakar, the Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Usman, described the claims made in the video circulated on social media as unfounded.
The statement partly read, “The attention of Gombe State Police Command has been drawn to a trending video in circulation purported to have emanated from a sister security agency that bandits have infiltrated Gombe State and that bandits’ informants are on the increase.
“The command wishes to state emphatically that there is no such threat in Gombe State, and the police in the command in collaboration with other security agencies are committed to ensuring the protection of lives and property, maintenance of law and order in the state.”
While urging residents to ignore the claim and go about their businesses without fear, Hayatu urged them to provide credible information that would help to maintain the peaceful co-existence in Gombe State.
“Therefore, well-meaning members of the state should discountenance the trending video message and go about their lawful businesses as usual, the command also assures the people and residents alike of their safety.
“Finally, the public is enjoined to report any suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police stations,” the statement added.
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