TheCable

On May 4, 2021, a Twitter account with the name “Helper” posted a message on the timeline, claiming that the US Department of State has set up hotlines for reporting terrorism and government atrocities in Nigeria.

The Twitter user, with over 6,000 followers, posted two phone numbers allegedly belonging to the US Department of State. The handler alleged that the lines had been set up for Nigerians to call and report “terrorism and atrocities committed by the government”.

As of Friday morning, the post has been retweeted by 850 accounts with 572 likes and 83 comments. The post also urged people to retweet widely.

“US Dept of state +1 202 647 6575, +1 202 647 3469 for Nigeria affairs. Above are the phone numbers we are advised to call into Washington DC to report our plights from the Nigerian terrorist Gov’t,” the account wrote.

“Please Biafrans, let’s do the needful Call them now and share. Retweet Widely!”

Screenshot of the tweet containing the false message

According to the Twitter bio of the “Helper”, it supports the Eastern Security Network (ESN) launched by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The message is also being circulated on Whatsapp, asking people to store the number and report killings in the country to the US.

“US Dept of State. +1 202 647 6575, +1 202 647 3469 for Nigeria affairs. Store these numbers,” the WhatsApp message stated.

“The United States State Department will be interested to receive information through calls from you to these numbers to report any atrocities of the Nigerian Govt or acts of terrorism known to you or by, ISIS, al Qaeda operatives and secret Boko Haram agents linked with attacks on indigenous people or communities in Nigeria.

“South Nigerians, Please work your phones. Share this post with all the peoples of the nations of Middle Belt and South Nigeria, Biafra, Yoruba, etc.etc here in the UK, in Nigeria and in the USA. God bless your patriotic acts. (sic)”

DID US SET UP THESE ‘HOTLINES’?

In a message posted on the US Mission in Nigeria Twitter page, the embassy described the information circulating on social media as a scam.

“Beware of scams coming via WhatsApp. Our website and other US government sites are reliable sources of information for our programs and announcements,” the mission said.

Beware of scams coming via WhatsApp. Our website and other US government sites are reliable sources of information for our programs and announcements. pic.twitter.com/IMosvPdQgA

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) May 13, 2021

In an email to TheCable, a spokesperson of the US Mission in Nigeria, said the information alleged to have emanated from the US Department of State is “fake”.

“There are no public calling lines available in the U.S. for these purported purposes,” the spokesperson said.

“While the U.S. remains committed to upholding human rights in Nigeria and around the world, we do not employ a system as described in the disinformation you reference.”