The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed widespread reports of bandit attacks across parts of the state, clarifying that the arrest of 38 Ivorian nationals in Atan-Ota was not connected to terrorism or any form of violent crime.
The command’s spokesperson, Babaseyi Oluseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, insisting that Ogun remains peaceful despite viral claims of attacks on schools and communities in Ota, Ifo and adjoining areas.
Oluseyi said intelligence and on-the-ground assessments showed no evidence of banditry, kidnapping or security breaches in the affected locations, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School in the Ijoko axis, Fadunsin area, Atan-Ota, Agbado and neighbouring communities.
He explained that police operatives were immediately deployed to verify the reports and reassure residents, while the School Protection Squad and divisional police officers conducted comprehensive security checks in the schools mentioned.
“The exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure and fully operational. Academic activities continued without disruption, with students and staff completing the school day peacefully,” he said.
The police spokesperson expressed concern over the panic generated by what he described as false and unverified information circulating on social media, warning that such misinformation could threaten public peace.
Providing clarification on the controversial arrest in Kajola-Ilese, Atan-Ota, Oluseyi said the 38 suspects—19 males and 19 females aged between 25 and 35—were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation.
He noted that the foreign nationals, believed to be from Côte d’Ivoire, were found in an apartment and could not provide valid immigration documents during preliminary screening.
“The suspects claimed to have entered Nigeria for online business activities. After preliminary investigations, they were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action in line with extant laws,” he added.
Oluseyi stressed that no bandits, kidnappers or terrorists were arrested during the operation, describing attempts to link the suspects to violent crimes as “false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic.”
The clarification comes amid heightened security concerns in the South-West following the recent abduction of 42 students and teachers in Oyo State, which has triggered anxiety across neighbouring states.
The police also recalled a recent incident in which a tailor, Qawiyu Oloyede, was arrested for allegedly producing a staged video falsely claiming bandits had invaded Atan-Ota. The suspect reportedly admitted creating the content to gain traction on social media platforms.
The command warned residents against spreading unverified security information, urging the public to rely on official channels to avoid fuelling fear and disorder.
Oluseyi assured that security agencies have intensified patrols and intelligence-led operations across Ogun State to safeguard lives and property.
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