The police commands in Ogun State and Oyo State have denied reports circulating online alleging the imposition of curfews and restrictions on movement in parts of the two states.

In separate statements issued on Friday, both commands described the reports as false, misleading, and capable of creating panic among residents.

The Ogun State Police Command said there was “no curfew or restriction of movement” anywhere in the state and assured residents that security personnel had been strategically deployed to maintain law and order.

The command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said residents should continue with their daily activities without fear.

“The security situation across the state remains peaceful and under control,” the statement said.

Similarly, the Oyo State Police Command dismissed rumours suggesting restrictions within or outside Ibadan.

Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka said there were “no security concerns warranting panic or apprehension”.

Why the Rumours Matter

The statements come amid growing concerns over the rapid spread of misinformation on social media platforms and messaging apps in Nigeria.

False security alerts and unverified reports have increasingly triggered fear, disrupted movement, and affected commercial activities in several parts of the country.

Security analysts say misinformation during tense periods can create avoidable panic and undermine public confidence in official institutions.

Police Warn Against Spreading False Information

The Oyo State Police Command warned individuals against spreading rumours capable of causing “panic, fear, and emotional distress”.

The command said anyone found circulating false information could face investigation and prosecution under the law.

Authorities also stressed that any genuine security directive would only be communicated through verified police channels and official media platforms.

Residents in both states were encouraged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities.

Emergency Contacts Released

The Ogun State Police Command asked residents to report emergencies through its official emergency numbers, including the toll-free Gateway Shield line.

The Oyo State Police Command also urged residents to use its emergency response channels, including the state’s toll-free emergency line 615.

What Happens Next?

Security agencies in both states say monitoring and patrol operations will continue across major towns and highways.

Police authorities also indicated they may intensify efforts to trace the origin of viral misinformation capable of threatening public order.

For residents, the message from both commands remains clear: there is currently no curfew in either Ogun or Oyo states.

A viral video claiming to show the recent arrest of suspected kidnappers in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, has been confirmed as old footage from 2024, amid growing concerns over misinformation on social media.

The clarification follows renewed circulation of the clip across X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and other social media platforms, where users falsely presented the footage as a fresh security incident.

The post at the centre of the circulation can be viewed here: [X post showing the resurfaced video](https://x.com/fineurl9128/status/2057139682308219343?s=46

Authorities urge caution over misinformation

In a statement issued to calm public concerns, officials said the footage did not depict a recent operation and warned against spreading unverified security-related content online.

“The video circulating online showing the arrest of suspected kidnappers in Ijebu-Igbo is old footage from 2024 and not recent,” the clarification stated.

“The public is advised to disregard misleading claims and verify information before sharing.”

The clarification comes at a time when insecurity and kidnapping reports remain highly sensitive issues across parts of Nigeria, often triggering panic among residents whenever videos or rumours emerge online.

Why the clarification matters

False or recycled security footage has increasingly become a challenge for authorities and fact-checkers in Nigeria, especially on fast-moving social media platforms.

Security analysts say misleading videos can heighten public fear, damage trust in official communication, and distract security agencies from ongoing operations.

Digital media experts also warn that old videos frequently resurface during periods of heightened public anxiety, sometimes without context or timestamps.

According to media literacy advocates, users should check publication dates, credible news reports, and official statements before reposting alarming content.

Social media and the spread of recycled videos

The resurfacing of old clips has become a recurring issue in Nigeria’s online information space.

Experts say videos are often reposted without dates, captions are altered, and older incidents are reframed as current events to generate engagement or provoke reactions.

Residents in Ogun State also expressed concern that unverified reports could create unnecessary fear within communities already dealing with security anxieties.

Calls for responsible sharing

Authorities and media experts are urging Nigerians to rely on credible news organisations and official security channels when verifying incidents related to crime and public safety.

They also advised users to avoid forwarding videos or claims that lack clear dates, locations, or confirmation from trusted sources.

What’s next?

Observers say the latest incident may renew calls for stronger digital literacy campaigns and quicker fact-checking responses from both government agencies and independent media organisations.

As misinformation continues to evolve online, analysts argue that public awareness remains one of the strongest tools against false narratives.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after operatives dismantled what authorities described as a major Nigerian-Mexican drug trafficking network operating in Nigeria.

The operation, announced on Wednesday by NDLEA Chairman Mohammed Buba Marwa, led to the arrest of foreign nationals, suspected local drug kingpins, and several collaborators. Authorities also seized chemicals and illicit drugs valued at more than $360m.

The Presidency described the crackdown as one of the agency’s most significant anti-drug operations in recent years, highlighting growing concerns over West Africa’s role in global narcotics trafficking.

Tinubu praises NDLEA operation

In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended the agency for what he called “exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment”.

“This successful operation, which led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins and other collaborators, as well as the seizure of chemicals and illicit drugs valued at over $360 million, demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics,” the President said.

He also urged NDLEA officials to remain vigilant in tackling organised crime networks.

“I commend the bravery, resilience, and dedication displayed by operatives of the NDLEA throughout this mission. I urge them not to be complacent in confronting the menace of drug trafficking,” he added.

Why the drug bust matters

The operation comes amid increasing international concern over the use of West Africa as a transit route for cocaine, synthetic drugs, and illicit pharmaceuticals destined for Europe and North America.

Security analysts say criminal syndicates are increasingly exploiting weak border controls, rising youth unemployment, and expanding international smuggling routes across the region.

President Tinubu acknowledged the broader regional threat in his statement.

“West Africa has become a great concern in the global war against narcotics as drug barons turn our region into a transit hub for moving cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals to Europe and North America,” he said.

Anti-drug advocates warn that beyond security implications, the spread of narcotics is fuelling addiction, crime, and public health challenges among young people across Nigeria.

“Drugs not only pose a critical security threat for our region, but they also pose a grave danger to the future of our youth, some of whom have become victims of the trade,” the President stated.

Public urged to support anti-drug campaign

President Tinubu called on Nigerians to assist law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

“I call on all Nigerians to see the fight against illicit drugs not NDLEA’s alone. Everyone has a role to play. We must remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within our communities to assist security agencies in combating criminal networks,” he said.

He added that the latest operation sends a strong warning to organised criminal groups operating within the country.

“This landmark success is a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country, and that those who threaten public safety and national security will face the wrath of the law.”

Growing pressure on security agencies

The latest seizure is expected to intensify calls for stronger regional intelligence-sharing and tighter border enforcement across West Africa.

Experts say Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agencies face mounting pressure to combat increasingly sophisticated international drug syndicates using encrypted communications, cross-border logistics, and local collaborators.

The NDLEA has in recent years expanded operations targeting synthetic drug laboratories, cross-border trafficking routes, and illicit pharmaceutical distribution networks.

What happens next?

Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the financial and international links connected to the syndicate.

Legal proceedings against those arrested are also likely to begin in the coming weeks, while investigators trace supply chains, assets, and possible collaborators within and outside Nigeria.