Police Debunk Bandit Attack Rumours In Ogun
The Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday said that the entire state remains safe, calm, and secure and has therefore debunked a series of false and misleading reports currently circulating on social media alleging bandit attacks on schools and communities within the Ota and Ifo axis of the state, as well as claims that suspected bandits were arrested in Atan-Ota.
The command stated unequivocally that there has been no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity, or any form of security breach anywhere in the state, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School (Ijoko axis), Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Sango-Ota, Agbado, Ifo, and other adjoining communities.
The command has equally said that the recent arrest of 38 foreign nationals from Côte d’Ivoire was based on violation of immigration rules, having entered the country without necessary supporting documents and not connected to any security breach.
The spokesperson of the state police command, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Babaseyi said that following the circulation of the false reports, police operatives from the respective divisions were immediately mobilized to all affected locations for on-the-spot assessment, verification, and sustained confidence-building patrols aimed at preventing panic and ensuring continued public reassurance.
He added that the Command’s School Protection Squad, in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of the affected areas, conducted immediate security assessments of all referenced schools, and the exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure, and fully operational.
School activities were reportedly said to have continued peacefully and without interruption throughout the day, with students and staff completing a successful academic day before normal closing time.
Babaseyi said that “The Command notes with concern the needless tension and anxiety caused among residents by the circulation of unverified security information.
“The Command deeply sympathizes with members of the public who may have been alarmed by these false reports and reassures them that there is no cause for fear or apprehension, as all affected areas remain calm and under effective security coverage.
“Findings from coordinated assessments across the affected locations confirmed that normal academic, commercial, and social activities were ongoing peacefully, with no threat to lives or property anywhere in the state.
“The Command further clarifies that the recent operation conducted in Kajola-Ilese, Atan-Ota, led to the arrest of thirty-eight (38) foreign nationals from Côte d’Ivoire, comprising nineteen (19) males and nineteen (19) females, aged between 25 and 35 years.
“The individuals were found in an apartment following credible intelligence and were unable to produce valid immigration or travel documents during preliminary screening.
The suspects claimed to have entered Nigeria for online business activities. Upon conclusion of preliminary police procedures, they were duly handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and appropriate administrative action in line with extant immigration laws and protocols.
“At no time during the operation were bandits, kidnappers, or terrorists arrested, nor was any security-related incident recorded in connection with the apprehension.
“Any attempt to link the arrested foreign nationals to banditry or any violent criminal activity is entirely false, misleading, and capable of creating unnecessary panic and disturbing public peace.”
The Command has therefore urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid the spread of unverified information, and desist from actions capable of heightening unnecessary fear or tension within communities.
Babaseyi stated further that security management depends on accurate reporting, responsible communication, and timely verification of information.
He said that the command appreciated the vigilance of residents and their continuous cooperation with security agencies and assured that officers and men remain fully deployed across the state, with sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations, and proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.
Residents across Ogun State, including Ota, Ifo, Atan-Ota, Ijoko, Sango-Ota, Agbado, and adjoining communities, have therefore been advised to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear, and take note that the entire state remains safe and secure.
The command reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urged members of the public to verify all security-related information through official channels before sharing.
For emergencies and credible information, residents may contact the Ogun State Police Command through Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency Lines: 0906 283 7609, 09
12 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, 0708 497 2994.
