The Ogun State Police Command has debunked a viral video portraying arrested Police Mobile Force (PMF) officers as suspected kidnappers terrorising Sagamu Local Council and its environs.

Clarifying the videos circulating on social media, the command stated that the arrested individuals were police officers deployed from Lagos State.

According to reports, the officers were initially suspected to be criminals and were apprehended by members of the Kanuyi Community in Simawa after being mistaken for kidnappers.

The officers were reportedly returning from an official assignment in Sagamu when they lost their way and were subsequently apprehended by members of the community.

One of the viral videos showed the officers seated on the ground while being surrounded by an agitated crowd.

Reacting to the incident yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed in a statement that operatives of the Simawa Division were promptly deployed to the scene upon receiving the report.

Babaseyi stated that investigations revealed that the suspects were serving police officers attached to a Police Mobile Force Squadron in Lagos State.

He added that the command verified their identities through valid police identification cards, deployment documents, uniforms and other official service materials.

“The parent formation also authenticated their status as bona fide members of the Nigeria Police Force engaged in lawful duties,” Babaseyi said.

He explained that before the police arrived, the officers had been searched, photographed and filmed by residents, after which misleading materials were circulated on social media.

Babaseyi added that although the officers were not physically harmed, the incident exposed them to unwarranted public suspicion and emotional distress.

The police spokesperson commended residents for their vigilance and urged citizens to refrain from mob action and allow security agencies to verify incidents before drawing conclusions or disseminating potentially harmful information.

“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,” he added.