The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory has denied reports of an assassination attempt on Lt. Ahmed Yerima, describing the claims circulating in the media as false and misleading.
The clarification was issued in a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, on Monday.
According to the statement, the incident involved a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by police personnel at NNPC Junction along Kubwa Expressway on November 16, around 6:15 p.m.
The patrol team intercepted an ash-colored Toyota Camry with a concealed number plate and fully tinted windows.
In line with standard operational procedures, the officers approached the vehicle and politely requested the occupant to identify himself and explain the concealed number plate.
The occupant initially refused to provide identification, made several phone calls, and wound up the car’s tinted windows, declining to engage further with the officers.
A few minutes later, three naval personnel arrived at the scene and confirmed that the occupant was their colleague, Lt. Yerima. They were also observed taking photos and videos of the interaction before departing.
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Following this verification, the police team allowed the vehicle to proceed, and the patrol resumed normal operations without incident.
SP Adeh emphasised that the encounter was peaceful and routine, stressing that the reports of an assassination attempt were “maliciously crafted tales” that created unnecessary fear and confusion.
She added that Lt. Yerima is a naval officer who recently had a reported altercation with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, but the incident at NNPC Junction was unrelated.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Miller Dantawaye, called on members of the public to cooperate with police personnel while they discharge their lawful duties.
He also urged citizens to avoid spreading unverified information, warning that fake news could generate fear and insecurity in the FCT.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining law and order while conducting routine security operations across the capital.
They reiterated that such measures, including vehicle checks and stop-and-search operations, are standard security practices designed to protect residents and ensure public safety.
The police encouraged media outlets and the public to verify information before publication and to report incidents accurately to prevent the dissemination of false narratives.
