Ogun Police debunk viral kidnap alarm, confirm suspects as officers

By James Ogunnaike

The Ogun State Police Command has debunked a viral social media report alleging that two suspected kidnappers were apprehended in Kanuyi community in Simawa area of the state, stressing that the individuals are serving police officers who were mistakenly identified as criminals by residents.

The Command expressed concern over the ordeal suffered by the officers, who were subjected to public suspicion, photographs, and video recordings before police intervention established their true identities.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Command said the clarification became necessary following the circulation of videos and photographs suggesting that suspected kidnappers had been arrested by members of the community.

According to the statement, the Simawa Police Division received information at about 11:00 a.m. on June 1, 2026, that two suspected criminals had been apprehended by residents.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives were immediately mobilized to the scene, where the individuals were rescued from an agitated crowd and taken into protective custody for proper identification and investigation,” the statement said.

The police disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals were serving officers attached to a Police Mobile Force Squadron in Lagos State.

“Further findings established that the officers had inadvertently lost their way while returning from an official duty post in Sagamu and were consequently mistaken for suspected kidnappers by some members of the public,” Babaseyi stated.

The Command explained that verification exercises conducted thereafter confirmed the officers’ identities through valid police identity cards, official deployment documents, uniforms, and other service materials.

“Their parent formation also authenticated their status as bona fide members of the Nigeria Police Force engaged in lawful duties,” the statement added.

Police authorities further revealed that before officers from the Command arrived at the scene, the affected personnel had already been searched, photographed, and video-recorded by some members of the public, resulting in the spread of misleading information across social media platforms.

While noting that the officers escaped physical harm, the Command lamented the emotional and psychological distress caused by the incident.

“Although the officers fortunately escaped physical injury, the incident subjected them to needless public suspicion and emotional trauma despite their commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” Babaseyi said.

The Command, however, commended residents for their vigilance and willingness to support security efforts, while cautioning against mob actions and premature conclusions.

“We appreciate the vigilance of residents and their readiness to support security efforts. However, members of the public are urged to exercise caution, avoid mob actions, and allow security agencies to verify facts before drawing conclusions or circulating information capable of endangering innocent persons,” the police spokesman said.

The Command noted that the incident underscores the daily challenges and sacrifices made by security personnel in the discharge of their duties, while also highlighting the need for stronger cooperation between law enforcement agencies and members of the public.

“This incident highlights the challenges and sacrifices security personnel make daily in the discharge of their duties. It also underscores the importance of cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies in promoting safety, preventing misinformation, and ensuring that innocent persons are not unjustly subjected to public condemnation,” the statement noted.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, strengthening community policing initiatives, and maintaining public trust through professionalism, accountability, and prompt response to security concerns.

Residents were advised to continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies while relying only on verified information from official sources and refraining from sharing unconfirmed reports capable of causing panic, damaging reputations, or undermining public confidence in security operations.

The Command also encouraged members of the public to make use of its emergency communication channels, including the Gateway Shield toll-free line and other dedicated emergency numbers for credible information and prompt security response.

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