The Ogun State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral social media video and photographs alleging the arrest of suspected kidnappers in the Kanuyi Community of Simawa, Sagamu Local Government Area of the state.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who explained that the individuals portrayed as suspected kidnappers were serving police officers attached to a Police Mobile Force Squadron in Lagos State.
According to the command, the Simawa Divisional Headquarters received information at about 11 a.m. on June 1 that two suspected criminals had been apprehended by residents of the community.
The police said operatives were immediately deployed to the scene, where the two men were rescued from an agitated crowd and taken into custody for proper identification and investigation.
Babaseyi disclosed that preliminary findings revealed that the individuals were police officers who had mistakenly lost their way while returning from an official duty post in Sagamu.
He said, “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.”
The command stated that verification of their identities was carried out through valid police identity cards, deployment documents, uniforms and other official materials, while their parent formation also confirmed their status as serving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
The police spokesman noted that before officers arrived at the scene, the men had been searched, photographed and video-recorded by members of the public, resulting in the circulation of misleading information on social media platforms.
While expressing concern over the incident, Babaseyi said the officers escaped physical harm but suffered unnecessary public suspicion and emotional distress.
“The officers fortunately escaped physical harm. However, the incident subjected them to needless public suspicion and emotional trauma despite their commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” he said.
The command commended residents for their vigilance and willingness to support security efforts but warned against resorting to mob action or spreading unverified information.
Babaseyi added, “We urge members of the public to exercise caution, avoid mob actions, and allow security agencies to verify facts before drawing conclusions or circulating information capable of endangering innocent persons.”
He said the incident underscored the sacrifices made daily by security personnel and highlighted the need for stronger cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies in combating crime and misinformation.
The command also advised residents to rely on verified information from official sources and refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports capable of causing panic, damaging reputations, or undermining public confidence in security operations.
