The Ogun State Police Command stated on Tuesday that the entire state is safe, calm, and secure, and has thus debunked a series of false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging bandit attacks on schools and communities in the state’s Ota and Ifo axis, as well as claims that suspected bandits were arrested in Atan-Ota.
The command stated unequivocally that there have been no bandit attacks, kidnappings, terrorist activity, or security breaches anywhere in the state, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School (Ijoko axis), Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Sango-Ota, Agbado, Ifo, and other neighboring communities.
The police has equally announced the recent arrest of 38 foreign nationals from Côte d’Ivoire was based on violation of immigration rules, having entered the country without necessary supporting documents and not connected to any security breach.
The spokesperson of the state police command, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Oluseyi Babaseyi, announced this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Babaseyi, after the false reports circulated, police operatives from the respective divisions were immediately dispatched to all affected areas for on-the-spot assessment, verification, and sustained confidence-building patrols aimed at preventing panic and ensuring ongoing public reassurance.
He further stated that the Command’s School Protection Squad, in coordination with the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of the concerned areas, undertook rapid security inspections of all referred schools, and the exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure, and fully operating.
School operations were believed to have continued peacefully and uninterrupted throughout the day, with students and faculty finishing a successful academic day before the usual closing time.
Babaseyi said that “The Command notes with concern the needless tension and anxiety caused among residents by the circulation of unverified security information.
“The Command deeply sympathizes with members of the public who may have been alarmed by these false reports and reassures them that there is no cause for fear or apprehension, as all affected areas remain calm and under effective security coverage.
“Findings from coordinated assessments across the affected locations confirmed that normal academic, commercial, and social activities were ongoing peacefully, with no threat to lives or property anywhere in the state.
“The Command further clarifies that the recent operation conducted in Kajola-Ilese, Atan-Ota, led to the arrest of thirty-eight (38) foreign nationals from Côte d’Ivoire, comprising nineteen (19) males and nineteen (19) females, aged between 25 and 35 years.
“The individuals were found in an apartment following credible intelligence and were unable to produce valid immigration or travel documents during preliminary screening.”
The suspects claimed to have entered Nigeria for internet business purposes.
Following the conclusion of preliminary police operations, they were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and appropriate administrative action in accordance with existing immigration rules and norms.
“At no time during the operation were bandits, kidnappers, or terrorists arrested, nor was any security-related incident recorded in connection with the apprehension.
“Any attempt to link the arrested foreign nationals to banditry or any violent criminal activity is entirely false, misleading, and capable of creating unnecessary panic and disturbing public peace.”
The Command has thus advised members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unsubstantiated information, and refrain from actions potential of instilling unwarranted anxiety or tension within communities.
According to Babaseyi, accurate reporting, responsible communication, and timely information verification are all critical components of security management.
He stated that the command appreciated residents’ vigilance and continuous cooperation with security agencies, and that officers and men would remain fully deployed across the state, with ongoing patrols, intelligence-led operations, and proactive measures to protect lives and property.
Residents of Ogun State, including Ota, Ifo, Atan-Ota, Ijoko, Sango-Ota, Agbado, and surrounding areas, have been asked to be calm and carry on with their lawful activities without fear, while also noting that the entire state is safe and secure.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of people and property, and advised the public to verify all security-related information through official channels before sharing.
For emergencies and genuine information, citizens can contact the Ogun State Police Command at Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111 or Emergency Lines: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, 0708 497 2994.
