Lagos Police Debunks Kidnapping News, Urges Public to Disregard False News

Israel Adeleke

Amid fake information circulating online over a continuously reported fake news, the police command in Lagos State has described the reports on increased in kidnapping on Gbagada Expressway as fake and recycled report, urging the residents to disregard it.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA OTN News reports that the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, debunked the report in a statement over the weekend in Lagos.

According to him, “The command wishes to, for the umpteenth time, debunk a recurring advisory on social media purportedly emanating from the command about ‘an increase in kidnapping incidents along Gbagada Expressway’.

“The command hereby states unequivocally that the claim about such a security alert being issued by the command is false.

“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,”

“CP Jimoh has ordered an immediate review of the security architecture of the entire area.

“The improved security architecture will be regularly reviewed and optimised to ensure absolute security for road users, residents of the area and the entire people of Lagos.

“To this end, CP Jimoh urges residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation,” he said.

Hundeyin, however, urged the residents to remain security conscious and report any suspicious activities around them to the nearest police station or call the command’s control room on 08065154338, 08063299264 or 09129229576.

According to him, the commissioner of police has ordered apprehension and prosecution of the fake news purveyors.

“Jimoh has given marching orders to detectives of the command to go on the trail of the mischievous individuals behind this ill-intentioned act to cause unnecessary fear and apprehension among Lagosians, with the mandate to apprehend and prosecute them,” he said.

The spokesperson warned purveyors of fake news to desist from such an act or face the full wrath of the law.