The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, made this known in a statement issued on Saturday, April 20, through the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin. He clarified that there was no explosion anywhere in Lagos on Friday, April 19, as claimed in several online posts.
“The Command in Lagos State confirms that no explosion incident was recorded in any part of the state,” the statement read.
According to CP Jimoh, the video currently making the rounds on social media actually relates to an incident that happened earlier in the month — specifically on April 11 — when there was a fire outbreak at a CCTV shop in Computer Village, Ikeja. That incident, he noted, is still under investigation.
In the past 24 hours, a video showing thick smoke and scenes of panic surfaced online, sparking fear and concern among many Lagos residents. The video was widely shared with captions suggesting that a major explosion had just occurred in the state.
The clip quickly went viral, prompting speculation about the location, nature, and possible casualties of the supposed explosion. Some social media users claimed it happened in a market, while others said it was a bomb blast.
However, the police have now confirmed that the footage is not recent and does not relate to any new or ongoing emergency.
To reassure the public, the Lagos Commissioner of Police highlighted that law enforcement agencies are fully in control of the security situation across the state.
He said the police have already taken proactive steps to strengthen their presence in public places and sensitive areas. Patrol teams and surveillance units have been directed to intensify their operations in order to maintain a safe and secure environment for residents and businesses.
Jimoh urged Lagosians to continue their normal activities without fear, stating that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property.
“We encourage members of the public to go about their lawful duties without panic,” he said.
In the same statement, the Commissioner warned bloggers, influencers, and social media users to avoid spreading unverified information that could cause public panic or unrest.
He pointed out that the spread of fake news, especially about security issues, can lead to unnecessary fear, disruption of daily life, and in some cases, violence.
“The command cautions against the deliberate spread of misinformation, particularly on social media. We advise individuals to verify information before sharing and to avoid actions that could trigger unnecessary alarm,” the statement read.
The incident referenced by the police — a fire at a CCTV shop in Computer Village on April 11 — was widely reported at the time and the cause of that fire is still being investigated, and authorities are yet to release an official report on the matter.
It now appears that the video from that incident was wrongly reused or repackaged to suggest a new explosion, causing confusion among the public.
This incident is not the first time false reports have caused panic in Lagos. In recent years, the rise of social media as a primary source of news for many Nigerians has also led to the rapid spread of rumours and fake news.
In some cases, viral messages have caused unnecessary tension or led people to avoid certain areas based on unverified security threats.
The police, as well as other security agencies, have repeatedly appealed to citizens to confirm information with official sources before sharing or reacting to it.
Following the police clarification, some Lagosians expressed relief that the supposed explosion was a false alarm. Others, however, called for better communication and quicker responses from authorities when such claims go viral.
“I’m happy to hear it was fake, but the panic was real. People were already warning others not to go out,” said Chuka Nwosu, a trader at the Balogun Market.
Another resident, Aminat Lawal, said, “We need a faster way to hear from the police. Before the real news comes out, the fake one has already gone far.”
As the Lagos State Police Command continues its efforts to maintain peace and order, CP Jimoh reiterated the importance of public cooperation.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or security concerns to the nearest police station or through official hotlines.
“The safety of everyone in Lagos is our top priority. We call on citizens to work with us and to always verify news before reacting or reposting,” he said.
