The Ogun State Police Command on Monday clarified a viral video alleging the arrest of suspected kidnappers in the Sagamu Local Government Area of the state, saying the individuals were actually serving Police Mobile Force officers from Lagos State.
DAILY POST reports that the two “suspected criminals” were apprehended by members of the Kanuyi Community in Simawa and mistaken for kidnappers.
They were said to have lost their way while returning from an official duty post in Sagamu when they were apprehended by members of the community.
In one of the viral videos, the officers were seen sitting on the ground, surrounded by an agitated crowd.
Reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, in a statement made available to DAILY POST, said that upon receiving the information, operatives of the Simawa Division were immediately mobilised to the scene.
Babaseyi stated that investigations revealed that the individuals were serving police officers attached to a Police Mobile Force Squadron in Lagos State.
“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives were immediately mobilised to the scene, where the individuals were rescued from an agitated crowd and taken into protective custody for proper identification and investigation.
“Preliminary investigation, according to the police, revealed that the men were PMF officers attached to a squadron in Lagos. They had reportedly lost their way while returning from an official duty post in Sagamu and were mistaken for kidnappers by residents.”
He added that the command confirmed their identities through valid police identity cards, deployment documents, uniforms and other service materials.
“Their parent formation also authenticated their status as bona fide members of the Nigeria Police Force engaged in lawful duties.”
Babaseyi noted that before the police arrived, the officers had been searched, photographed and video-recorded by residents, with the misleading content later circulated on social media. He added that although they escaped physical harm, the incident subjected them to “needless public suspicion and emotional trauma.”
He, however, commended residents for their vigilance and urged members of the public to avoid mob action and allow security agencies to verify facts before drawing conclusions or circulating information capable of endangering innocent persons.
“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,” Babaseyi added.
Meanwhile, the command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, strengthening community policing, and fostering public trust through professionalism, accountability and prompt response to security concerns.
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