Police Combat Misinformation to Maintain Public Order in Lagos

In Nigeria’s bustling metropolis of Lagos, the State Police Command has evolved its approach to policing by embracing strategic communication as a crucial component of maintaining public order. Throughout 2023, under Commissioner of Police Moshood Olahundare Jimoh, the Command has consistently countered misinformation through timely, fact-based press statements aimed at defusing tensions in a city of over 20 million inhabitants.

The urgency of this approach became apparent between September and December when a series of incidents demonstrated how quickly false information can trigger panic or deepen public distrust. In a digital age where unverified claims travel faster than emergency responders, the Lagos Police Command recognized that silence is no longer a neutral option when addressing security matters.

A significant test came on September 7th when Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour publicly accused police of collaborating with political operatives to enforce a one-party agenda in Alimosho during a live television interview. Rather than engaging in political rhetoric, the Command responded with documented evidence showing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had properly notified authorities about their planned sensitization program, while Rhodes-Vivour had submitted no notification for any gathering. The police clarified that their presence at a church premises was in response to distress calls from worshippers about an unauthorized political assembly.

This pattern of factual response continued during the controversial Oworonshoki demolition operation on October 26th. When social media posts alleged police brutality, the Command swiftly explained that urban development authorities conducted the demolition after months of notice and compensation, while police were present solely to maintain order, with no incidents of violence or harassment reported.

Public concern peaked again on November 11th following widespread claims that police attempted to release a foreign national accused of child molestation. The Command’s detailed response clarified that no Lebanese national was involved, outlined the Gender Unit’s investigation protocols, and confirmed that both the child and mother denied any molestation had occurred, while assuring continued investigation with public disclosure of findings.

When accusations emerged that Commissioner Jimoh had defied a court order at Nestoil premises on November 23rd, the Command provided precise documentation of when the order was received, how verification occurred, and exactly when officers withdrew from the location. This transparency helped preserve institutional credibility at a time when perceived disregard for judicial authority could have eroded public confidence.

The Command demonstrated similar balance when addressing a viral video showing a physical confrontation between an officer and a bus conductor in Ikorodu on November 30th. Instead of denying the footage, authorities confirmed the officer’s identity, provided context for the incident, and announced an investigation into potential misconduct while reminding the public that resisting arrest remains illegal.

In early December, the Command intervened in two separate incidents that threatened to spiral due to misinformation. They clarified that a reported mob assault on a Lagos State Task Force inspector followed false theft accusations, and that alleged “gunmen” in Ajebo community were actually parties in a land dispute, with no casualties reported in either case.

This consistent approach to information management represents a significant evolution in Lagos’s policing strategy. By treating misinformation as a legitimate security threat, the Command has recognized that unchecked falsehoods fuel fear, which can quickly deteriorate into disorder.

However, challenges remain. Press releases often arrive after misleading narratives have gained significant traction online. To strengthen its information response capabilities, the Command would benefit from enhanced real-time digital engagement, simplified fact summaries designed specifically for social media platforms, and regular public briefings to educate citizens on basic verification techniques. Collaborating with established media organizations and independent fact-checkers could further reinforce public trust.

As Lagos continues to navigate complex social and political dynamics, the Police Command’s commitment to factual communication offers a valuable example of how modern security forces must adapt. In a digital landscape where misinformation can threaten public safety as effectively as physical threats, defending truth has become an essential component of maintaining order and building community trust.