UNN Deny Rumours of Viral Terror Attack, Tightens Campus Security

Anxiety has enveloped the Nsukka campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) following the circulation of a social media post alleging an impending terrorist attack and mass abduction of students at the institution.

The claim, which surfaced on Saturday through a Facebook page known as “Anonymous Syndicate,” alleged that suspected Islamist terrorists had infiltrated the university town disguised as commercial motorcyclists and were planning to attack the institution in the coming weeks.

The post further claimed that the attackers intended to gain access to the campus through the Obukpa axis and warned of a large-scale invasion if authorities failed to act swiftly.

The alarming message triggered widespread concern among students, parents and residents of Nsukka, with some members of the public calling for the postponement of the ongoing examinations to avert any potential security breach.

However, the university management has dismissed the claims as unverified and lacking any credible security intelligence.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, Inya Agha Egwu, said the institution was aware of the social media report but stressed that there was no verified threat to the university.

“The university wishes to state that there is no credible security intelligence or verified threat to the University of Nigeria that supports the claims contained in the post. The information being circulated is therefore unsubstantiated and should not be regarded as factual,” the statement said.

Despite the absence of any confirmed threat, the management said it had taken proactive measures to strengthen security across the campus in order to reassure staff, students and visitors.

According to the statement, personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army have been deployed to key entry points within the university to complement the efforts of the institution’s security unit.

The university also announced the temporary closure of some access gates to enhance the monitoring and regulation of movement into and out of the campus.

In a further security measure, management suspended motorcycle operations within the campus with immediate effect, directing staff who commute on motorcycles to park them at designated locations outside the university premises.

“No motorcycle will be permitted beyond the university gates except those belonging to authorised security personnel,” the statement added.

The management urged members of the university community to remain calm and continue with their academic and official activities without fear, warning against the spread of unverified information capable of creating panic and disruption.

It also encouraged students, staff and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements or activities to the university security department or relevant security agencies.

Reaffirming its commitment to safety, the university said maintaining a peaceful and secure environment remained a priority, stressing that anonymous social media posts and sensational online messages should be treated with caution unless verified by competent authorities.