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 viral social media claims alleging that armed bandits have invaded communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of Lagos State, describing the reports as false and misleading.

Police said there is currently no security crisis, coordinated attack, or invasion targeting schools or communities anywhere in Lagos, urging residents to ignore unverified information circulating online.

The clarification comes after widespread social media posts triggered panic among residents and reportedly contributed to the death of a 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider who was wrongly accused of being a bandit.

One Dead After Mob Attack Sparked by Rumours

According to the Lagos State Police Command, the victim, identified as Kulaha Ayuba, was allegedly attacked by youths who believed false reports that armed bandits had entered their community.

Police said Ayuba was labelled a “Fulani bandit” based on unverified claims and was fatally assaulted. His motorcycle was reportedly stolen, while his body was later discovered in a swamp.

The command confirmed that 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the command said:

“The Lagos State Police Command categorically states that the claims contained in the circulating posts are false, misleading, unfounded, and intended to create unnecessary fear, panic, and apprehension among residents.”

The statement added:

“There is currently no security crisis, invasion, or coordinated attack on any school or community in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo, or any other part of Lagos State.”»

Police said investigations are ongoing and assured residents that anyone found culpable would face prosecution.

Why It Matters

The incident highlights the growing dangers of misinformation and the real-world consequences that false security alerts can have on communities.

Security experts have repeatedly warned that unverified information shared on social media can fuel panic, ethnic profiling, vigilantism, and mob violence.

The Lagos Police Command said the spread of false reports had already resulted in “a tragic and avoidable loss of life” and warned against sharing unverified content.

Police Warn Against Fake News

The command condemned what it described as the deliberate dissemination of false information capable of causing public disorder.

Officials warned that individuals responsible for originating or knowingly circulating false security alerts could face investigation and prosecution under relevant laws.

The statement said:

“The Command condemns the deliberate dissemination of unverified information capable of causing chaos, inciting public disorder, and promoting ethnic profiling, mob action, or hatred against any group of people.”

Police urged residents to verify information through official channels before sharing it online.

Schools Remain Safe, Police Say

Authorities sought to reassure parents and residents that schools across Lagos remain secure.

According to the command, security agencies continue to maintain surveillance operations and deploy personnel across communities throughout the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, appealed for calm.

“Residents should remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while continuing with their lawful activities without fear.”

He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities directly to security agencies rather than relying on social media rumours.

Industry and Public Reactions

Security analysts say the incident demonstrates how misinformation can rapidly escalate into violence when communities act on rumours rather than verified intelligence.

Digital rights advocates have also renewed calls for stronger public awareness campaigns on media literacy and responsible social media use.

Community leaders in Lagos have repeatedly encouraged residents to seek confirmation from law enforcement agencies before responding to security-related claims circulating online.

What Happens Next?

Police say investigations into the killing of Kulaha Ayuba are ongoing.

Authorities have pledged to prosecute both those directly involved in the mob attack and anyone found responsible for intentionally spreading false information capable of inciting violence.

The Lagos State Police Command said it remains committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across the state.