Police debunk kidnap claim after officers mistaken for criminals

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed claims circulating on social media that two suspected kidnappers were apprehended in the Kanuyi community of Simawa, in the Mowe area of the state.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Command said the individuals featured in a viral video and photographs were serving police officers who had been wrongly identified by members of the public.

According to the statement, the Simawa Divisional Headquarters received information at about 11:00 a.m. on 1 June 2026 that two suspected criminals had been detained by residents.

Police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene, where they rescued the pair from an angry crowd and took them into custody for verification and investigation.

Investigations later revealed that the men were officers attached to a Police Mobile Force Squadron in Lagos State. The officers had reportedly become lost while returning from an official assignment in Sagamu and were mistakenly suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities.

The Command said their identities were confirmed through official police identity cards, deployment documents, uniforms and other service materials. Their parent unit also verified that they were legitimately carrying out official duties.

Police further discovered that before officers arrived at the scene, some residents had searched, photographed and recorded the men, leading to the circulation of misleading content online.

Although the officers were not physically attacked, the Command noted that the incident exposed them to unnecessary suspicion and emotional distress.

While commending residents for remaining vigilant and supporting security efforts, the police cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands. The Command urged residents to allow security agencies to verify facts before sharing information or reaching conclusions that could endanger innocent people.

The police said the incident highlights the risks security personnel face in the course of their duties and underscores the need for stronger cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies.

The Command also advised residents to rely on information from verified sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports capable of causing panic, damaging reputations or undermining public confidence in security operations.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, strengthening community policing and responding promptly to security concerns across the state.