The Ogun State Police Command has intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and patrols across communities following reports of alleged bandit threats in parts of Odeda Local Government Area of the state.
The command, however, said there was no verified intelligence confirming claims of planned attacks or kidnappings circulating within some communities and on social media.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.
According to the statement, the command had taken note of reports alleging that threat letters warning of planned kidnappings of schoolchildren were being circulated in some communities.
Babaseyi stressed that the claims remained unsubstantiated, assuring residents that no credible intelligence had confirmed any imminent attack in any part of the state.
He said the police had intensified surveillance operations, patrols and strategic deployments in collaboration with local hunters, vigilantes and other security stakeholders to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The police spokesman added that the visible deployment of officers across communities, prompt response to distress calls and recent operational successes reflected the command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-led policing.
He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and avoid spreading unverified reports capable of causing unnecessary panic.
“Residents are advised to remain calm, vigilant, and refrain from circulating unverified reports that may create avoidable tension,” the statement read.
Tension had earlier risen in parts of Odeda Local Government Area after local hunters alleged that suspected armed groups issued threat letters warning of planned mass kidnappings, including attacks on schoolchildren.
The Chairman of the Hunters’ Association in the area, Festus Ogundairo, raised the alarm during a radio programme in Abeokuta, alleging that communities had become increasingly anxious over insecurity and suspected movement of criminal elements within rural settlements.
Ogundairo said fears heightened following the recent abduction of a petrol station manager in the area, who was later released after ransom was allegedly paid.
He also claimed that residents were disturbed by reports circulating on social media suggesting that armed groups had threatened coordinated attacks on specific towns and villages.
The hunters called for stronger operational support, including motorcycles and approved weapons, to enable effective patrol of forests and remote communities.
They also urged closer collaboration with formal security agencies, warning that delayed response to threats could embolden criminal groups targeting schools and isolated settlements.
