The Lagos State Police have denied recent claims on social media that armed bandits have invaded areas like Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, and Oke-Afo. They warned that these false reports have already led to the death of a commercial motorcycle rider.
The police said the rumors, which have spread widely with scary images and videos, are not true and meant to cause fear among people.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said there is no security crisis, coordinated attack, or invasion in any community or school 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, and police officers and other security agencies are keeping watch and ensuring safety in communities.
False alarm leads to tragedy
The police mentioned that the spread of these false claims has already caused a tragic loss of life.
They reported that a 24-year-old motorcycle rider, Kulaha Ayuba, was attacked by youths who mistakenly thought he was one of the bandits said to have invaded their area.
The police explained that the youths, acting on unverified information online, called the victim a Fulani bandit before they attacked him and killed him.
His motorcycle was stolen, and his body was later found in a swamp.
After the police got involved, they arrested 15 suspects linked to the killing, and they are under investigation.
"The Command assures the public that all those found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law," the statement noted.
The police condemned the spread of false information that can lead to public disorder, ethnic profiling, and mob violence.
They urged residents to check information through official channels before sharing and warned that anyone spreading false and inflammatory content would be prosecuted.
Police clarify old Ikorodu video
The police’s latest warning came a day after they dismissed another viral video claiming to show a 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 represent the current security situation in Ikorodu or any part of Lagos State.
"The recirculation of such outdated content as a recent occurrence is misleading, capable of creating unnecessary panic, fear and apprehension among residents," she stressed.
The command told the public to ignore the video and not share unverified content that could threaten public peace.
They also warned social media users against spreading false and alarmist reports that could cause public disorder. Those found spreading misinformation or fake news would be investigated and prosecuted.
These police statements come as people are discussing insecurity and security-related stories ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On Sunday, a former spokesperson for the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Seye Oladejo, warned against attempts by political actors to use insecurity for political gain.
Mr Oladejo expressed worry over efforts to highlight security incidents and make it seem like there is a complete breakdown of law and order, urging Nigerians to avoid stories that could raise fear and anxiety.
Police reassure residents
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, urged residents to stay calm, alert, and law-abiding while going about their daily activities without fear.
Mr Fatai encouraged people to report any suspicious individuals, movements, or 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 operational assets to be deployed to key locations, trouble spots, and entry and exit points across the state.
According to the command, these deployments are being done with other security agencies to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and assured residents that there are enough security measures in place across Lagos to maintain peace and safety.
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