Ogun Police Debunks Viral Security Alert, Warns Against Panic

The Ogun State Police Command has officially distanced itself from a viral security advisory circulating on social media that includes the photograph of the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo. The Command labeled the advisory as deceptive, unauthorized, and warned that it is capable of inciting unnecessary fear among residents.

Dependable NG reports that the Command, in a statement released on Wednesday, noted a significant increase in unsolicited security tips being shared online. Many of these posts, the Police stated, falsely suggest that the state is facing a state of emergency or severe instability.

Omolola Odutola, the Command spokesperson, emphasized that the viral post using the CP’s image did not originate from the Command and was never authorized or sanctioned by them.

Odutola pointed out that various individuals and groups are deliberately recycling old videos and publishing alarming content with the intention of creating panic. She warned those responsible for such acts to immediately stop sharing frightening videos, unverified claims, or content using divisive language, noting that the majority of these claims are false.

Part of the official statement read: “One of such misleading posts, currently in circulation with the picture of the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, is deceptive, unauthorized, and was made without any directive, approval, or recourse to the Command.” The statement added a warning to the “mischief-makers” to desist from posting unverified or false claims.

While urging residents to remain calm, the Command assured the public that all communities that have raised genuine security concerns are currently under close surveillance. The police have also deployed additional personnel and operational assets to strengthen security in identified areas, reassuring residents that their lives and properties are being safeguarded.

The Command advised the public to rely exclusively on official communication channels for credible security information.