By Peace Udugba
The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video circulating on social media that allegedly shows armed bandits operating in a forest within the state.
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In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command clarified that the footage did not originate from Ogun State or any part of Nigeria, describing the claim as a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and create panic.
According to the police, preliminary investigations and credible fact-checks revealed that the video—depicting individuals cooking in a bush setting—was actually recorded in Kenya during an operation involving cattle rustlers.
The footage was reportedly captured by a General Service Unit (GSU) drone and first uploaded online in 2022 before being recirculated with a false narrative.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, condemned the spread of unverified and deceptive content, warning that such actions could erode public confidence in security agencies and incite unnecessary fear among residents.
He stressed that there is no intelligence or operational report indicating the presence of armed bandits in any forest or location within Ogun State.
Ojajuni reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through intelligence-led policing, strategic deployments, and continuous surveillance across the state.
The police urged members of the public to disregard the viral video and avoid sharing unverified information capable of disrupting public peace. Residents were also advised to rely on official communication channels for accurate and timely security updates.
While calling for continued cooperation from the public, the Commissioner encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies. He also warned that the dissemination of false or inciting information would not be tolerated.
The Command provided emergency contact lines for prompt reporting, including the toll-free Gateway Shield number: 0800 000 9111, alongside other dedicated lines.
