The Ogun State Police Command has debunked a viral video claiming to show a kidnappers’ hideout in the state, describing the footage as false and unrelated to Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the video circulating on social media was “misleading and recycled,” urging residents not to panic.
The footage, widely shared on WhatsApp and X over the weekend, purported to show armed men in a forest, with claims that it was recorded in Ogun State. However, police investigations revealed that the clip originated outside Nigeria.
According to the Command, analysis by its cybercrime unit traced the video to a 2022 operation in Kenya involving the General Service Unit. Officials noted that the footage has been repeatedly recirculated online with altered narratives to suit different locations.
Police also pointed out inconsistencies in the terrain and equipment shown in the video, stating that they do not match the geographical and operational realities of Ogun State.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, condemned the spread of the video, warning that such misinformation could create unnecessary fear and disrupt public confidence.
He assured residents that there is no intelligence indicating the presence of bandits in the state’s forests and that security agencies remain vigilant through ongoing surveillance and patrol operations.
The Command urged members of the public to verify information before sharing and to rely on official sources for security updates. It also warned that individuals found deliberately spreading false information could face prosecution under relevant laws, including the Cybercrimes Act.
Authorities maintained that the security situation in Ogun State remains stable, with enhanced patrols across key areas to reassure residents.