The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media claiming that bandits were operating inside a forest in the state, describing the footage as false, misleading, and recycled.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the video does not originate from Ogun State or any part of Nigeria, contrary to claims being shared online.
According to the command, preliminary investigations showed that the video was actually recorded in Kenya during a security operation against cattle rustlers. The footage, they said, was captured using a drone operated by the General Service Unit in that country.
“The video is false, misleading, and does not originate from Ogun State or any part of Nigeria,” the police said.
The police further explained that the same video first appeared online in 2022 and has now been recirculated with a false narrative suggesting that armed bandits are hiding in forests within Ogun State.
Security officials believe the reappearance of the video is part of a wider trend where old or unrelated footage is reshared on social media to create panic or spread misinformation. Such practices, they say, often mislead the public and create unnecessary fear, especially in sensitive times.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bode Ojajuni, strongly condemned the circulation of the video and warned residents against sharing unverified content.
He said spreading false information can damage public confidence in security agencies and create tension in communities that are actually peaceful.
Ojajuni stressed that there is currently no intelligence or operational report indicating the presence of bandits or criminal camps in any forest across Ogun State.
“There is no intelligence or operational report to support the claim of any such criminal presence within forests or any part of Ogun State,” he said.
His statement comes amid growing concerns in parts of Nigeria over insecurity, especially reports of banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery in some regions. While certain states in the North-West and North-Central zones have experienced higher levels of bandit-related attacks in recent years, security agencies say the situation in the South-West, including Ogun State, remains relatively stable.
Ogun State shares borders with Lagos State and the Republic of Benin, making it a key transit point for trade and movement of people. Because of its location, the state has continued to strengthen its security architecture to prevent criminal elements from exploiting border areas.
The police commissioner reassured residents that the command remains fully committed to maintaining peace and safety across the state. He said security operations are ongoing through intelligence-led policing, strategic deployment of officers, and constant monitoring of vulnerable areas.
“The command remains proactive through intelligence-led policing, strategic deployments, and sustained operational vigilance across the state,” Ojajuni said.
He added that security agencies in the state are working round the clock to ensure that residents continue to live and carry out their daily activities without fear.
The police also used the opportunity to caution members of the public against spreading unverified information, especially on social media platforms where content can quickly go viral.
According to the command, misinformation can easily trigger panic, disrupt public peace, and even lead to unnecessary tension among residents.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard the viral video and its accompanying false claims, and to refrain from sharing unverified information capable of inciting panic or disrupting public peace,” the statement said.
The police further warned that the spread of fake news and inciting content will not be tolerated, adding that individuals found responsible for deliberately spreading false information may face legal consequences.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a rise in the circulation of fake videos and images online, often linked to security issues, protests, or political events. Security agencies have repeatedly urged citizens to verify information before sharing it, as misinformation can worsen already sensitive situations.
In response, security agencies across the country have increased efforts to monitor and debunk false claims that could mislead the public or undermine trust in official institutions.
Residents of Ogun State have also been advised to rely only on official communication channels for security updates and to report any suspicious activity directly to law enforcement agencies instead of sharing unverified content online.
The police maintained that they will continue to engage communities and strengthen collaboration with residents to ensure timely information sharing and effective crime prevention.
As concerns over misinformation continue to grow, the command reiterated its commitment to transparency and public safety, urging citizens to remain calm and ignore attempts to create fear through fake or recycled videos.