Rivers Police Debunk Viral AI-Generated Kidnap Photo

The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed a viral photograph that allegedly depicts four female kidnappers disguised as market traders, stating it is an AI-generated image. The police spokesperson, Grace Iring Koko Agab, issued a statement on Saturday, clarifying that the image circulated alongside an audio message claiming an attempted kidnapping in the Woji area of Port Harcourt is false.

Preliminary digital assessments confirmed the photograph's artificial intelligence origin, and no incidents of kidnapping were reported in the state. The police have begun a comprehensive investigation to identify those responsible for spreading the misleading content, which could cause unnecessary public panic.

Agab emphasized the importance of verifying information through official channels and warned that anyone found culpable of creating or sharing such false reports would face prosecution under the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act of 2015. The police command reassured residents of their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.