Police Dismiss Viral Video of Bandits’ Forest in Ogun State as Recycled Footage

Nigerian Police Debunk Viral Video of Alleged Bandits in Ogun State Forest

The Ogun State Police Command has firmly refuted claims in a widely circulated video purportedly showing bandits operating in forests within the state. In an official statement released Sunday, police authorities described the footage as “false, misleading, and recycled,” confirming it has no connection to Ogun State or any location in Nigeria.

Police Public Relations Officer Oluseyi Babaseyi clarified that thorough investigations revealed the video actually originated from Kenya, where it was captured by a General Service Unit drone during an operation targeting cattle rustlers. According to the statement, the footage first appeared online in 2022 and has been deliberately recirculated with fabricated claims to create unnecessary panic among Nigerian citizens.

“Further verification indicates that the video was first uploaded online in 2022 and has since been deliberately recirculated with a false narrative to create panic and misinform the public,” the police statement explained.

Ogun State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni expressed concern over the potential consequences of such misinformation, noting that it could significantly undermine public confidence in security agencies. He emphasized that spreading unverified information “is capable of causing unnecessary fear and undermining public confidence in security agencies” at a time when trust between law enforcement and communities is particularly crucial.

Commissioner Ojajuni categorically dismissed any suggestions of criminal elements operating within Ogun State forests, stating that intelligence reports do not support such claims. “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 affirmed.

The emergence of this misleading video comes at a sensitive time for Nigeria’s security landscape. In recent years, several northern and central states have grappled with banditry and kidnapping incidents involving armed groups operating from forest hideouts. These security challenges have created heightened vigilance among citizens nationwide, making the spread of such misinformation particularly problematic.

Security analysts note that videos like these can inflame tensions and divert valuable police resources toward investigating false claims. The rapid spread of the footage across social media platforms demonstrates how quickly misinformation can circulate in today’s digital environment.

The police command has reassured residents of their ongoing commitment to maintaining security throughout Ogun State through what they described as “intelligence-led policing, strategic deployments, and sustained operational vigilance.” These measures form part of the command’s broader strategy to prevent and respond to genuine security threats across the state.

Authorities urged the public to exercise caution when consuming and sharing content on social media, particularly when it relates to security matters. “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 emphasized.

The police further warned that the spread of false information and inciting content would not be tolerated, suggesting potential consequences for those deliberately sharing misinformation that could compromise public safety or security operations.

This incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in Nigeria’s security landscape, where distinguishing between genuine security alerts and false claims has become increasingly difficult for citizens and authorities alike.