OGUN STATE POLICE COMMAND CONFIRMS STATEWIDE SECURITY STABILITY, DEBUNKS FALSE BANDITRY ALERTS IN OTA AND IFO AXES, CLARIFIES ARREST AND TRANSFER OF 38 FOREIGN NATIONALS TO IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES

The Ogun State Police Command wishes to categorically assure the general public that the entire state remains safe, calm, and secure, while also debunking a series of false and misleading reports currently circulating on social media alleging bandit attacks on schools and communities within the Ota and Ifo axes of Ogun State, as well as claims that suspected bandits were arrested in Atan-Ota.

The Command states unequivocally that there has been no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity, or any form of security breach anywhere in Ogun State, 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.

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.

The Command notes with concern the needless tension and anxiety caused among residents by the circulation of unverified security information. The Command deeply sympathizes with members of the public who may have been alarmed by these false reports and reassures them that there is no cause for fear or apprehension, as all affected areas remain calm and under effective security coverage.

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 clarifies 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 individuals were found in an apartment following credible intelligence and were unable to produce valid immigration or travel documents during preliminary screening.

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.

The Command urges 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 Ogun State Police Command appreciates the 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.

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

The Command reiterates its 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.

For emergencies and credible information, residents may contact the Ogun State Police Command through Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency Lines: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, 0708 497 2994.

DSP OLUSEYI B. BABASEYI, anipr

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

OGUN STATE COMMAND

ELEWERAN, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE

2ND JUNE, 2026