Chief Superintendent Muyiwa Adejobi, the force’s public relations officer, released a statement on the hot topic on Wednesday.

According to a WhatsApp message that was “many times forwarded” and obtained by DAILY POST on Tuesday, the police in Abuja “swooped on a residential building” at No. 15 Ganges Street.

According to the information, the operation was carried out as a result of a tip-off “from unidentified sources” that the area was being used as a base to rig election results.

“Police recovered numerous BVAS machines, several laptops and desktop computers, and other technical materials.

“Also, several suspects were arrested. Police have launched a manhunt for several other suspects involved in the matter,” it reads.

Two men are seen opening the machines’ packages in a widely seen video.

Nigerians are reacting angrily, wondering why their faces were not shown. Some dismissed the video as a plot to shift attention from the controversial presidential results.

In the clarification, Adejobi claimed that following a tip from locals, members of the Force Investigation Bureau (FIB) visited the area, spoke with the residents there, and searched the area.

While searching the residence, the spokesperson noted some electoral materials and BVAS machines were discovered in their possession.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, confirmed the individuals were “employees of Emperor Technology, outsourcing engineering services to the INEC,” according to the Force PRO.

In announcing their release, the police urged the public to reject “the false and misconstrued narrative” regarding their arrest and connection to BVAS manipulation.

The statement also warned against the propagation of false information and disinformation, both of which potentially alienate Nigerians.