The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed viral reports alleging bandit attacks on schools and communities in the Ota and Ifo areas of the state, assuring residents that Ogun remains safe, peaceful, and secure.
In a statement issued by the Command, police authorities described the reports circulating on social media as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
The Command stated that there had been no incidents of bandit attacks, kidnappings, terrorism, or any other form of security breach in communities including Atan-Ota, Ijoko, Sango-Ota, Agbado, Ifo, and surrounding areas.
According to the police, officers were immediately deployed to the affected locations following the circulation of the reports to carry out on-the-spot assessments, verification exercises, and confidence-building patrols aimed at reassuring residents and preventing public panic.
The Command further disclosed that its School Protection Squad, working alongside Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, conducted security assessments at schools mentioned in the reports, including Oluke Community High School and Sango Ota High School in the Ijoko axis.
The assessments, it said, confirmed that all schools remained safe and fully operational, with academic activities proceeding without disruption throughout the day.
Police authorities expressed concern over the tension generated by the dissemination of unverified security information and urged residents to rely on official channels for security updates.
The Command also clarified circumstances surrounding the recent arrest of 38 foreign nationals in Kajola-Ilese, Atan-Ota, which some social media users had falsely linked to banditry activities.
According to the police, the suspects, comprising 19 males and 19 females from Côte d’Ivoire, were arrested following credible intelligence. Preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals could not provide valid immigration or travel documents.
The suspects reportedly told investigators they entered Nigeria for online business activities. Following preliminary police procedures, they were transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and necessary administrative action in accordance with immigration laws.
The Command stressed that none of the individuals arrested were bandits, kidnappers, or terrorists, and warned against attempts to associate the case with violent criminal activities.
“The operation had no connection whatsoever with banditry or any security threat. Any report suggesting otherwise is false and capable of creating unnecessary fear among members of the public,” the statement noted.
The police urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue their lawful activities without fear, assuring them that adequate security measures remain in place across the state.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led operations, routine patrols, and proactive policing strategies while encouraging residents to report suspicious activities through official emergency channels.
