The Ogun State Police Command has debunk series of false and misleading reports circulating on social media that bandits allegedly attacked schools and communities within the Ota and Ifo axis of the state.

The Command also dismissed the claims that the suspected bandits were arrested in Atan-Ota, assuring members of the general public that the state reminds safe, calm and secured.

It further confirmed that a recent operation carried out in Kajola-Ilese, Atan-Ota, resulted in the arrest 38 foreign nationals from Côte d’Ivoire, comprising nineteen 19 males and nineteen 19 females, between age 25 and 35 years.

The Command insisted that 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.

In a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Command cleared the air that there has been no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity, or any form of security breach anywhere in the state.

Babaseyi added that no schools including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School (Ijoko axis), Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Sango-Ota, Agbado, Ifo, and other adjoining communities, were attacked by bandits.

He said, “Following the circulation of the false reports, police operatives from the respective divisions were immediately mobilized to all affected locations for on-the-spot assessment, verification, and sustained confidence-building patrols aimed at preventing panic and ensuring continued public reassurance.”

“In addition, the Command’s School Protection Squad, in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of the affected areas, conducted immediate security assessments of all referenced schools, including Oluke Community High School and Sango Ota High School (Ijoko axis).

“The exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure, and fully operational. School activities continued peacefully and without interruption throughout the day, with students and staff completing a successful academic day before normal closure.” he noted.

The Police PRO said that the Command also expressed concern about tension and anxiety caused among residents by the circulation of unverified security information.

He stated that the Command empathizes with members of the public who may have been concerned by the misleading reports and assured them that there is no reason for panic, as all affected areas remain peaceful and are adequately secured.

Babaseyi noted that 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 clarified 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 Police PRO said that the individuals were found in an apartment following credible intelligence and were unable to produce valid immigration or travel documents during preliminary screening.

He explained that the suspects claimed to have entered Nigeria for online business activities.

“Upon conclusion of preliminary police procedures, they were duly handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and appropriate administrative action in line with extant immigration laws and protocols.”

“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.” Babaseyi said.

He urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid the spread of unverified information, and desist from actions capable of heightening unnecessary fear or tension within communities. Security management depends on accurate reporting, responsible communication, and timely verification of information.

The Police PRO also lauded vigilance of residents and their continuous cooperation with security agencies. The Command assures that officers and men remain fully deployed across the state, with sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations, and proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

He also advised residents across Ogun State, including Ota, Ifo, Atan-Ota, Ijoko, Sango-Ota, Agbado, and adjoining communities to remain calm, continue their lawful activities without fear, and take note that the entire state remains safe and secure.

Babaseyi reiterated the Command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges members of the public to verify all security-related information through official channels before sharing.