The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man accused of creating and circulating a false video alleging widespread kidnapping and banditry along the Owode-Idiroko corridor, as authorities intensify efforts to combat misinformation capable of triggering public panic.

Police said the suspect, identified as Johnson Elleh, was arrested after investigations revealed that a viral video he featured in falsely portrayed security threats in the area.

According to the police, extensive verification found no evidence of kidnapping or banditry incidents along the Owode-Idiroko axis or surrounding communities as claimed in the footage.

The development comes amid growing concerns about the impact of fake security alerts on public confidence, community relations, and emergency response efforts across Nigeria.

Police Say Video Was Designed to Create Panic

In a statement issued by ASP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, authorities said the video was deliberately misleading.

“The video was false, misleading, and deliberately designed to create fear, panic, and anxiety among members of the public,” the statement said.

Police investigators reportedly traced the suspect through the footage and subsequently arrested him.

According to preliminary findings, the suspect allegedly admitted creating and circulating the content to attract online attention and increase engagement on social media platforms.

The command said his actions had the potential to disrupt public order and undermine confidence in the state’s security system.

“Investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation,” the statement added.

Another False Alarm in Ifo

In a separate incident, the Ogun State Police Command also dismissed reports claiming that a bus carrying suspected criminals had been sighted along the Ibogun Road area in Ifo.

Police said surveillance and anti-robbery teams responded immediately after receiving intelligence on June 3, 2026.

Officers discovered that the vehicle had been intercepted by local youths who suspected its occupants of criminal activity.

However, investigations revealed that the bus was transporting 21 labourers employed by a construction company working on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Ifo-Ibogun Road.

Police verified the workers’ identities and confirmed their involvement in the federal road project.

“The report linking them to criminal activities was found to be false and unfounded,” the command said.

Authorities subsequently escorted the workers safely to their construction site and urged residents to avoid sharing unverified information.

Why Misinformation Matters

Security experts have repeatedly warned that false reports of criminal activity can have serious consequences, including unnecessary panic, vigilantism, disruption of economic activities, and diversion of security resources from genuine emergencies.

In recent years, social media platforms have accelerated the spread of unverified information, making it increasingly difficult for authorities to respond swiftly to emerging rumours.

The Ogun State Police Command said individuals who create, publish, or circulate false security-related information risk prosecution under applicable laws.

“The Command will continue to identify, arrest, investigate, and prosecute all persons found culpable, irrespective of status or motive,” the statement said.

Public Reassurance

Police reassured residents that Ogun State remains safe and secure and urged members of the public to rely on verified information from official channels.

Authorities also encouraged residents to continue their normal activities without fear while remaining vigilant and reporting credible security concerns through official emergency channels.

What Happens Next?

The police say investigations into the false video are continuing and that the suspect will be formally charged upon completion of the process.

Authorities are also expected to intensify public awareness campaigns against fake news and misinformation, particularly on security-related issues.

The Ondo State Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that a kidnapping occurred at a school in Akure, the state capital.

Officials described the reports as false and urged residents, particularly parents and guardians, not to spread unverified information capable of causing panic.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said authorities had found no evidence of any kidnapping incident in primary, secondary or tertiary institutions across Akure.

“The Government categorically states that there is no record, report, or incident of kidnapping in any primary, secondary, or tertiary institution in Akure,” the statement said.

According to the government, schools across the state capital remain open and are conducting academic activities without disruption.

Security Agencies Confirm Normalcy

The government said security agencies, including the Police, Amotekun Corps and the Department of State Services (DSS), had verified school environments across Akure and confirmed that normal activities were ongoing.

Officials also said security measures remained in place in collaboration with school authorities and parents to ensure the safety of pupils, students and staff.

“The Government, in collaboration with school authorities and parents, has maintained strict security protocols across all schools to ensure the safety of pupils and students at all times,” the statement added.

The administration urged residents to report genuine security concerns directly to law enforcement agencies rather than relying on social media claims.

Why It Matters

False security reports have increasingly spread across social media platforms in Nigeria, often triggering anxiety among residents and prompting emergency responses from authorities.

For parents and guardians, reports involving schools can generate immediate concern, making verification from official sources critical before information is shared online.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that misinformation can undermine public confidence and divert security resources from genuine threats.

“All schools in the state capital are safe, open, and conducting academic activities without disruption.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa Hails Court Verdict on Owo Church Attack

Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has welcomed the conviction and death sentence handed down to four individuals found guilty of involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo.

The attack shocked Nigeria and the international community after worshippers were killed and several others injured during a church service.

In a separate statement, the governor described the judgment as a significant victory for justice and the rule of law.

“The court verdict is a victory for justice, the rule of law, and for all victims of the heinous attack that claimed the lives of innocent worshippers and left many others injured,” he said.

A Message Against Terrorism

Governor Aiyedatiwa praised investigators, prosecutors and the judiciary for their roles in securing the convictions.

He said the outcome demonstrated that acts of terrorism and violence would not go unpunished.

“This judgment sends a clear message that those who take innocent lives will face the full weight of the law, no matter how long it takes,” the governor stated.

He also commended residents of Owo and members of the Catholic community for their resilience in the aftermath of the attack.

Seeking Closure for Victims’ Families

While acknowledging that no court ruling could reverse the loss suffered by victims’ families, the governor said the judgment could provide a measure of closure.

“While nothing can bring back the lives lost, this judgment provides a measure of closure and hope that justice is possible,” he said.

The governor pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve the protection of public spaces across the state.

What Happens Next?

Security experts say the case highlights the importance of sustained intelligence operations and effective prosecution in tackling terrorism-related crimes.

The Ondo State Government says it will continue investing in security infrastructure and partnerships with federal security agencies to prevent future attacks.

For many residents, the verdict marks another chapter in the state’s efforts to seek justice for victims while strengthening public confidence in the legal system.

The Federal Government has launched eight operational gun trucks for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, in a move aimed at strengthening the fight against illegal mining across Nigeria.

The vehicles were unveiled alongside a new publication documenting the achievements of the Mining Marshals over the past two years, as authorities pledged increased funding, improved equipment and stronger enforcement against offenders.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Henry Dele Alake, said the government remained committed to supporting the specialised security unit responsible for protecting Nigeria’s mining sector.

He said additional technological equipment and armoured vehicles would be provided once funding approvals are secured.

“State-of-the-art technological equipment and armoured vehicles would be provided as soon as budgetary provisions are secured.”

The announcement comes as Nigeria seeks to increase revenue from its solid minerals sector and reduce dependence on oil exports.

Why It Matters

Illegal mining has long been a major challenge for Nigeria, resulting in revenue losses, environmental degradation and security concerns in mining communities.

The government believes stronger enforcement could help protect mineral resources, increase tax revenues and attract legitimate investors to the sector.

According to Dr Alake, the Mining Marshals have recorded significant successes since their creation two years ago.

He disclosed that the unit had arrested more than 300 illegal miners, prosecuted over 150 suspects and secured several convictions involving both Nigerian and foreign nationals.

The minister credited the operations with helping to improve non-oil revenue generation and supporting efforts to diversify the economy.

Government Warns Illegal Operators

Dr Alake condemned attempts by illegal mining operators and their collaborators to undermine ongoing enforcement efforts.

He described them as “saboteurs” and “enemies of the state”, warning that authorities would continue to pursue offenders through legal channels.

The minister said the government would not allow criminal networks to profit from the country’s natural resources at the expense of national development.

Interior Ministry Pledges Support

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented at the event by Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd.), praised the partnership between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

He said the collaboration had helped secure Nigeria’s mineral resources and promised continued support through training, funding and operational improvements.

“The collaboration has successfully safeguarded the nation’s mineral deposits.”

Officials say enhanced cooperation between security agencies remains critical to tackling illegal mining activities, particularly in remote locations where enforcement can be difficult.

NSCDC Hails New Equipment

The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, represented by Deputy Commandant General Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, described the government’s intervention as unprecedented.

He said illegal mining posed a serious threat to national development and assured Nigerians that the newly acquired vehicles would be deployed responsibly.

The NSCDC leadership also pledged to maintain close cooperation with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to strengthen enforcement operations nationwide.

Mining Marshals Highlight Achievements

National Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah Onoja, welcomed the additional logistics support and expressed confidence that it would improve operational effectiveness.

He called on Nigerians to support the unit’s activities and report suspicious mining operations.

According to him, unregistered mining activities amount to the theft of national resources and undermine efforts to develop the sector sustainably.

Onoja also urged other security agencies to continue working closely with the Mining Marshals to combat illegal mining networks.

Industry Perspective

Mining experts have repeatedly argued that improved security is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth.

Industry stakeholders say illegal mining discourages investment, reduces government earnings and often fuels environmental damage in affected communities.

Analysts note that while enforcement remains important, long-term success will also depend on stronger regulation, community engagement and easier access to legal mining permits.

What Happens Next?

With the deployment of the eight gun trucks, authorities are expected to expand surveillance and enforcement operations in key mining regions.

The government says additional equipment and technology will follow as funding becomes available, while prosecutions of suspected illegal miners are expected to continue.

Observers will be watching closely to see whether the enhanced security measures translate into increased revenue generation and greater investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining sector.