The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two people accused of spreading false information alleging that bandits attacked Lamini Community in Ido Local Government Area and killed six residents.

Police said the claim, which circulated widely through WhatsApp voice notes and other social media platforms, caused panic among residents and triggered concerns about security in the area.

According to the Command, investigations showed that the reported attack never occurred.

Why It Matters

False security alerts have become a growing concern across Nigeria, where reports of kidnappings, banditry and violent crime often spread rapidly online.

Security experts warn that unverified information can fuel fear, disrupt economic activities, strain emergency resources and undermine public confidence in law enforcement agencies.

The latest incident highlights the challenges authorities face in combating misinformation and disinformation in the digital age.

Police Investigation

The Oyo State Police Command said it immediately deployed patrol and tactical teams to Lamini Community after receiving reports of the alleged attack.

Officers conducted on-the-ground assessments and engaged residents to verify the claims.

The investigation concluded that there had been no bandit invasion and no deaths in the community.

Following the findings, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the State Intelligence Department to trace the source of the voice note and identify those responsible for its circulation.

Police said intelligence gathering and forensic analysis led investigators to Pastor Amos Joel Muyiwa, who was subsequently arrested.

During questioning, police said the suspect admitted creating and sharing the voice note without verifying the information.

Further investigations reportedly linked the origin of the claim to Mulikat Bashiru, who was later arrested.

Both suspects are cooperating with investigators as authorities seek to determine whether other individuals were involved in creating or spreading the false report.

Police Warning on Fake News

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command described the deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation as a serious threat to public order and national security.

“Such actions are capable of triggering panic, undermining public confidence, disrupting socio-economic activities, and diverting critical security resources away from genuine emergencies.”

The police added that misinformation goes beyond misleading the public and can weaken efforts by security agencies and community leaders to maintain peace and safety.

“At a time when security agencies, community leaders, and law-abiding citizens are working collaboratively to sustain the prevailing security gains across Oyo State, the deliberate circulation of false narratives serves only to create unnecessary fear, weaken public trust, and create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit public anxiety and confusion.”

Growing Challenge of Social Media Misinformation

The spread of unverified information on social media remains a major challenge for authorities across Nigeria.

Digital media analysts say false security reports often travel faster than official statements, particularly on encrypted messaging platforms where content can be forwarded repeatedly without verification.

Experts recommend that citizens confirm sensitive information through official government channels, security agencies, and credible news organisations before sharing it online.

Public Advisory

The Oyo State Police Command urged residents to exercise caution when sharing information related to security matters.

Authorities warned that individuals found deliberately creating or distributing false information capable of causing public disorder could face investigation and prosecution under existing laws.

Residents were encouraged to report emergencies through official channels, including the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line 615 and the Oyo State Police Command Control Room numbers.

What Happens Next?

Police say investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any additional persons who may have participated in the creation or dissemination of the false alarm.

The outcome of the investigation could further shape enforcement efforts against misinformation-related offences in Oyo State.Pull Quote

“The purported bandit invasion and killing of six persons never occurred.” — Oyo State Police Command

The Ogun State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video and photographs that claimed suspected kidnappers had been apprehended in Kanuyi Community, Simawa.

According to the command, the two men featured in the circulating content were not criminals but serving officers of the Nigeria Police Force attached to a Police Mobile Force Squadron in Lagos State.

Police said officers from the Simawa Division were alerted on 1 June 2026 at about 11:00 a.m. that two suspected criminals had been detained by residents.

Responding officers arrived at the scene and rescued the men from an agitated crowd before taking them into protective custody for verification and investigation.

Officers Were Returning From Official Assignment

Preliminary findings showed the officers had reportedly lost their way while returning from an official duty post in Sagamu.

The command said the situation led some residents to mistakenly identify them as suspected kidnappers.

Investigators subsequently confirmed their identities through official police identity cards, deployment documents, uniforms and other service materials.

The officers’ parent formation also authenticated their status as legitimate members of the Nigeria Police Force.

Concerns Over Misinformation and Public Safety

The police expressed concern that before officers arrived at the scene, the men had already been searched, photographed and recorded by members of the public.

Those images and videos later spread across social media platforms, fuelling claims that suspected kidnappers had been caught.

While the officers were not physically harmed, the command said the incident exposed them to public suspicion and emotional distress.

Security analysts say such incidents highlight the growing challenge of misinformation during security-related events.

Experts note that while community vigilance remains important, premature conclusions can put innocent individuals at risk and complicate law enforcement efforts.

Why It Matters

Nigeria has witnessed heightened public concern over kidnapping and violent crime in recent years, leading many communities to become more alert to suspicious activity.

However, security experts warn that fear-driven reactions can sometimes result in cases of mistaken identity, false accusations and mob justice.

The Ogun Police Command said the Simawa incident demonstrates the need for residents to report suspicious activities while allowing security agencies to verify facts before information is shared publicly.

Police Urge Public Cooperation

The command commended residents for remaining vigilant and supporting security efforts.

However, it cautioned against mob actions and encouraged citizens to allow law enforcement agencies to conduct proper investigations before conclusions are reached.

Police officials said stronger cooperation between communities and security agencies would help improve public safety while reducing the spread of false information.

What Happens Next?

The Ogun State Police Command says it will continue promoting community policing initiatives and public awareness campaigns aimed at strengthening trust between residents and security agencies.

Authorities are also encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities through official emergency channels while avoiding the circulation of unverified claims online.

For emergencies, residents can contact the Ogun State Police Command through:

– Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111

– Emergency Lines: 0906 283 7609

– 0912 014 1706

– 0915 102 7369

– 0708 497 2994

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed a viral social media video claiming to show the recent arrest of Fulani men allegedly found with arms and ammunition in Ikorodu, saying the footage is old and does not reflect the current security situation in Lagos.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the police said the video being widely circulated online relates to an incident that occurred more than three years ago and is being falsely presented as a recent event.

Authorities warned that the circulation of outdated security-related content could fuel unnecessary fear and public anxiety.

“The video currently circulating on social media platforms depicting the arrest of some Fulani men allegedly found in possession of arms and ammunition in Ikorodu, Lagos State, is an old clip of an incident that occurred over three (3) years ago and does not reflect the current security situation in Ikorodu or any part of Lagos State.”

Why It Matters

The clarification comes amid growing concerns about misinformation on social media, particularly content relating to security and public safety.

False or misleading security reports can quickly spread online, influencing public perception, increasing tensions within communities, and creating panic among residents.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that recycled videos and images often resurface during periods of heightened public concern, making fact-checking increasingly important.

The Lagos Police Command said the renewed circulation of the footage was capable of causing “unnecessary panic, fear, and apprehension” among residents.

“The recirculation of such outdated content as a recent occurrence is misleading, capable of creating unnecessary panic, fear, and apprehension among residents.”

The Command urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it and advised residents to disregard the video.

Police Warn Content Creators and Social Media Users

The police also issued a warning to individuals who deliberately spread false or unverified information online.

According to the statement, anyone found responsible for creating or disseminating misinformation capable of disturbing public peace could face legal consequences.

“The Command further warns social media users and content creators against the dissemination of false, unverified, and alarmist stories capable of causing public disorder.”

“Individuals found deliberately spreading misinformation or fake news will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with extant laws.”

The warning reflects broader efforts by Nigerian authorities to curb the spread of fake news and misinformation, especially on issues relating to security.

Security Operations Intensified Across Lagos

While dismissing the viral claims, the police said security operations across Lagos State remain active and have been strengthened.

According to the statement, Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai has directed enhanced deployment of personnel and operational assets to strategic locations across the state.

The police said deployments have been focused on black spots, critical infrastructure, and major entry and exit points.

“These proactive security measures are being carried out in close collaboration with other security and safety agencies to ensure the continued safety and security of all residents and visitors in Lagos State.”

Residents were urged to continue their daily activities without fear.

“Adequate security measures have been emplaced to guarantee the protection of lives and property.”

Public Cooperation Remains Key

The Command also called on residents to support ongoing security efforts by reporting suspicious activities and individuals.

Police officials noted that timely intelligence from members of the public remains one of the most effective tools for preventing crime and responding to potential threats.

“Members of the public are encouraged to partner with the Police and other security agencies by remaining vigilant and providing prompt, credible, and actionable information on suspicious persons, movements, or activities within their communities.”

Industry and Public Perspective

Security experts say the rapid spread of unverified videos highlights the growing challenge facing law enforcement agencies in the digital age.

Experts argue that misinformation can undermine public trust, strain security resources, and distract authorities from genuine threats.

Media literacy advocates have also called for stronger public awareness campaigns to help citizens identify misleading content, verify sources, and avoid sharing unconfirmed reports.

What Happens Next?

The Lagos State Police Command says security monitoring and deployments will continue across the state.

Authorities are also expected to intensify efforts to identify individuals who intentionally spread false information capable of causing public disorder.

Residents have been encouraged to rely on verified updates from official government and security agency channels when seeking information on public safety issues.