The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed viral social media claims alleging that armed bandits have invaded communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of Lagos State.
In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer of the Command-SP Abimbola Adebisi, the reports were described as false and misleading, as there is currently no security crisis, coordinated attack, or invasion targeting schools or communities anywhere in Lagos, urging residents to ignore unverified information circulating online.
This is sequel to the widespread social media posts that have triggered panic among residents and reportedly contributed to the death of a 24-year-old commercial motorcycle rider who was wrongly accused of being a bandit.
According to the Lagos State Police Command, the victim, identified as Kulaha Ayuba, was allegedly attacked by youths who believed false reports that armed bandits had entered their community.
Police said Ayuba was labelled a “Fulani bandit” based on unverified claims and was fatally assaulted. His motorcycle was reportedly stolen, while his body was later discovered in a swamp.
The command has confirmed that 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
“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.
There is currently no security crisis, invasion, or coordinated attack on any school or community in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo, or any other part of Lagos State”, the command stated.
Police said investigations are ongoing and assured residents that anyone found culpable would face prosecution.
The incident highlights the growing dangers of misinformation and the real-world consequences that false security alerts can have on communities.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that unverified information shared on social media can fuel panic, ethnic profiling, vigilantism and mob violence.
The Lagos Police Command further said the spread of false reports had already resulted in “a tragic and avoidable loss of life” and warned against sharing unverified content.
The command also condemned what it described as the deliberate dissemination of false information capable of causing public disorder.
Officials have warned that individuals responsible for originating or knowingly circulating false security alerts could face investigation and prosecution under relevant laws.
“The Command condemns the deliberate dissemination of unverified information capable of causing chaos, inciting public disorder, and promoting ethnic profiling, mob action, or hatred against any group of people”, the statement said.
The Police have therefore urged residents to verify information through official channels before sharing it online.
According to the command, security agencies will continue to maintain surveillance operations and deploy personnel across communities throughout the state.
Consequently, The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai has appealed for calm.
“Residents should remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while continuing with their lawful activities without fear”, the statement added.
He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities directly to security agencies rather than rely on social media rumours.
Also, Security analysts say the incident has demonstrated how misinformation can rapidly escalate into violence when communities act on rumours rather than verified intelligence.
To this effect, digital rights advocates have renewed calls for stronger public awareness campaigns on media literacy and responsible social media use.
Community leaders in Lagos have repeatedly encouraged residents to seek confirmation from law enforcement agencies before responding to security-related claims circulating online.
In the same vein, Police authorities have pledged to prosecute both those directly involved in the mob attack and anyone found responsible for intentionally spreading false information capable of inciting violence.
However, The Lagos State Police Command has vowed to remain committed to protection of lives and property as well as maintaining peace across the state.
