The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed as false a viral online report claiming that armed robbers attacked a bank in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
The Command said the report was entirely fabricated and aimed at causing unnecessary panic among residents of the city.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, described the publication as misleading and dangerous to public peace.
She noted that no bank robbery, or any related incident, took place in Port Harcourt or anywhere within Rivers State on the said date.
According to her, the false report was calculated to create fear and undermine the confidence of the people in the ability of security agencies to protect lives and property.
Iringe-Koko urged members of the public to disregard the viral information and warned against the spread of unverified stories.
The police spokesperson stressed that the Command was on top of the security situation in Rivers State, assuring residents that there was no cause for alarm.
She explained that police patrols have been intensified across the state to ensure safety in all communities, especially in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The Command also reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding banks, financial institutions, and other critical infrastructure.
Iringe-Koko further appealed to citizens to cultivate the habit of verifying news from official and credible sources before sharing.
She warned that individuals caught deliberately circulating fake news to incite panic would be made to face the full weight of the law.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. Our men are on constant patrols and are at alert. There is no cause for alarm,” the statement read in part.
She emphasised that the spread of fake news, particularly on sensitive security issues, was capable of disrupting public order and endangering lives.
The police therefore encouraged the public to rely solely on official statements from the Rivers State Command for credible and accurate updates.
Iringe-Koko concluded by reminding residents that maintaining peace and security was a collective responsibility and urged them to cooperate with the police by providing useful information when necessary.
