Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, have been urged to remain calm and vigilant following the circulation of false audio messages and social media posts alleging imminent terrorist attacks in the city during the last ten days of Ramadan.
The alarming messages, which spread rapidly across messaging platforms, claimed that members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had infiltrated Maiduguri and were planning to carry out suicide bombings, particularly at mosques and major prayer centres.
However, security officials and community journalists who conducted field verification across affected areas have dismissed the claims as entirely fabricated and intended to create panic among residents during the holy month.
One of the widely circulated rumours alleged that suicide bombers had entered the city and planted explosives at worship centres, including a reported threat publicised yesterday at Massalacin Mallam Bako in Layin Hadiza. Investigations carried out by local reporters and community volunteers found no evidence to support the claims.
Security sources familiar with the situation explained that such rumours often surface during Ramadan when large numbers of worshippers gather at mosques, making the period particularly vulnerable to fear-based misinformation.
“These messages are false. They are deliberate attempts by mischief-makers to exploit the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan, instil fear among residents and disrupt prayers,” a senior security official said while speaking on condition of anonymity.
According to the official, security agencies have closely monitored the situation and found no credible intelligence indicating an imminent attack in the city.
Meanwhile, community leaders and local security volunteers have stepped up vigilance to reassure residents and maintain calm across Maiduguri.
Members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who play a key role in supporting security agencies in the fight against insurgency, have intensified patrols in various neighbourhoods.
Their presence, along with routine patrols by security agencies, has helped to strengthen public confidence as residents continue their daily activities and religious observances.
Residents have also been encouraged to continue attending mosque prayers and participating in Ramadan activities without fear, while remaining alert and reporting any suspicious behaviour to the appropriate authorities.
Local journalists who conducted independent verification in the areas mentioned in the viral messages confirmed that no explosives, suspicious objects or individuals were discovered, further reinforcing the conclusion that the reports were false.
Security analysts warn that misinformation, particularly during sensitive periods like Ramadan, can be highly dangerous as it can trigger unnecessary panic, disrupt social life and undermine the fragile peace that has gradually returned to the city after years of insurgency.
They noted that false alerts not only create fear among residents but can also divert security resources away from genuine threats.
Concerned stakeholders have therefore called on government authorities to take stronger action against individuals responsible for spreading false information.
According to analysts, the deliberate spread of fake security alerts should be treated as a serious offence, as such misinformation has the potential to destabilise communities and erode public trust.
“In times of heightened religious activity, misinformation can be as dangerous as a physical attack. Authorities must take firm steps to identify and prosecute those behind these false alarms,” one security analyst said.
As the final ten days of Ramadan approach, security agencies have assured residents that adequate measures remain in place to protect lives and property across Maiduguri.
Officials emphasised that the city continues to benefit from strengthened security coordination involving the military, police, intelligence agencies and community-based groups.
Residents are therefore urged to verify information before sharing it and to rely on official channels for security updates.
Authorities believe that with continued vigilance, cooperation from the public and responsible communication, Maiduguri will maintain the calm atmosphere needed for residents to observe the holy month peacefully.
