The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video circulating on social media which allegedly shows armed bandits operating within a forest in Ogun State.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Babatunde Babaseyi, the Command clarified that the footage did not originate from Ogun State or anywhere in Nigeria.
According to the police, preliminary investigations and independent fact-checks revealed that the video, which depicts individuals cooking in a bush environment, was recorded in Kenya during an operation involving cattle rustlers and was captured by a General Service Unit (GSU) drone.
The Command further disclosed that the footage was first uploaded online in 2022 and has since been deliberately recycled and falsely linked to Ogun State in an attempt to spread misinformation and create unnecessary panic among residents.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, condemned the circulation of unverified and deceptive content, warning that such actions are capable of generating fear and undermining public confidence in security agencies.
Ojajuni stressed that there is no intelligence report or operational information indicating the presence of armed bandits or similar criminal groups in any forest or community within Ogun State as portrayed in the video.
He reassured residents that the police command remains proactive in safeguarding lives and property through intelligence-led policing, strategic deployments, and continuous security operations across the state.
The Commissioner urged members of the public to disregard the viral video and refrain from sharing unverified information capable of inciting panic or disturbing public peace. He advised residents to rely solely on official communication channels for authentic security information and updates.
The police chief also called on citizens to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence on suspicious activities.
He warned that the dissemination of false information and other forms of inciting content would not be tolerated, adding that appropriate action would be taken against individuals found spreading misinformation capable of threatening public order.
The Ogun State Police Command encouraged residents to report suspicious activities through its emergency communication channels while assuring the public of its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security throughout the state.
