The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has dismissed reports of a surge in kidnappings along the Gbagada Expressway as false and recycled misinformation.
He urged residents to disregard the claims, emphasizing that the state Police Command never issued such a security alert.
In a statement released on Friday by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police clarified that the false advisory first surfaced in January 2024 and was debunked. It re-emerged in September 2024 and was again refuted, yet it has now resurfaced in March 2025.
Jimoh condemned the spread of such misleading information, stressing that it only fuels unnecessary fear and panic among residents.
However, he assured Lagosians that the police are taking their concerns seriously. In response, he has directed an immediate review of the security architecture in the Gbagada area, instructing Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders to reinforce safety measures to prevent any criminal activities.
To ensure public safety, CP Jimoh urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear while remaining security-conscious.
He advised the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or contact the Lagos State Police Command Control Room via the following numbers: 08065154338, 08063299264, or 09129229576.
“This fake advisory first surfaced in January 2024 and was promptly debunked. It surfaced again in September 2024 and was again debunked. It is sad that purveyors of fake news have churned it out again in March 2025.
“That notwithstanding, the Command is not unmindful of the concerns raised in the alert. Consequent upon this, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered an immediate review of the security architecture of the entire area to be carried out by affected Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders, in a bid to forestall such an occurrence.
“The improved security architecture will be regularly reviewed and optimized to ensure absolute security for road users, residents of the area, and the entire people of Lagos State. To this end, CP Jimoh urges Lagosians to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation,” the statement read.
Additionally, Jimoh has ordered a crackdown on individuals responsible for spreading the false kidnapping alerts. Detectives have been tasked with identifying and prosecuting those involved in spreading fake news aimed at inciting public panic. He warned that anyone caught engaging in such activities will face legal consequences.
“CP Jimoh has given marching orders to detectives of the Command to go on the trail of the mischievous individuals behind this act ill-intentioned to cause unnecessary fear and apprehension among Lagosians with the mandate to apprehend and prosecute them.
“Purveyors of fake news are equally warned to desist from such criminal acts or face the full wrath of the law,” the statement added.
Lagos CP Dismisses Gbagada Kidnapping Reports, Orders Arrest Of Culprits is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
