Lagos police deny bandit invasion rumors, arrest 15 for killing motorcycle rider

The Lagos State Police Command has denied claims on social media that armed bandits have invaded areas in the state, including Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, and Oke-Afo. They warn that these false reports have already led to the death of a motorcycle rider.

The police said these rumors, which have spread widely online with shocking images and videos, are not true. They aim to create fear among the people.

In a statement shared on X on Monday, police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said there is no security crisis or coordinated attack in Lagos State. “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,” Ms Adebisi said.

She added that schools in the state are safe. Police officers and other security agencies are watching over communities and making sure there is enough security.

False alarm turns deadly

The police noted that the spread of these false claims has led to a tragic loss of life. They reported that a 24-year-old motorcycle rider, Kulaha Ayuba, was attacked by youths who wrongly thought he was one of the bandits said to have invaded their area.

The police explained that the youths, following unverified information online, called the victim a Fulani bandit before they attacked him and killed him. His motorcycle was taken, and his body was later found in a swamp.

After police got involved, 15 suspects were arrested in connection with the killing and are now being investigated. “The Command assures the public that all those found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law,” the statement said.

The police condemned the deliberate spread of false information that can cause public disorder, ethnic profiling, and mob violence. They urged residents to check information through official channels before sharing it. They warned that anyone found responsible for spreading false and inflammatory content would face prosecution.

Police dismiss old Ikorodu video

This warning came a day after the police denied another viral video that claimed to show the recent arrest of Fulani men with weapons in Ikorodu. In a separate statement on Sunday, Ms Adebisi said the video is over three years old and does not show the current situation in Ikorodu or anywhere else in Lagos.

“The recirculation of such outdated content as a recent occurrence is misleading, capable of creating unnecessary panic, fear and apprehension among residents,” she said. The command told the public to ignore the video and stop sharing unverified content that could harm public trust.

They also warned social media users and content creators not to spread false and alarming reports that could lead to public disorder. Those who are found spreading misinformation or fake news will be investigated and prosecuted.

These police statements come amid growing public concern about insecurity and narratives around security ahead of the 2027 general elections. On Sunday, Seye Oladejo, a former spokesperson for the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), warned against political actors trying to use insecurity for political gain.

Mr Oladejo expressed worry about efforts to amplify security incidents and give the impression of a complete breakdown of law and order. He urged Nigerians to avoid narratives that can increase fear and anxiety among the public.

Police assure residents

Meanwhile, Lagos State Police Commissioner Tijani Fatai has urged residents to stay calm, watchful, and follow the law while going about their daily lives. Mr Fatai encouraged the public to report suspicious people and activities to the nearest police station or through emergency channels instead of relying on unverified social media reports.

The police said the commissioner has ordered more personnel and resources to be deployed to key areas, hotspots, and entry and exit points across the state. According to the command, these deployments are done in partnership with other security and safety agencies to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

The command repeated its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that sufficient security measures are in place across Lagos to maintain peace and security.