The Lagos State Police Command has categorically denied media reports claiming that hundreds of suspected Boko Haram members were arrested in the state, describing the publication as false, malicious, and intended to incite public fear.
The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, issued a statement on Friday in Lagos debunking the report published in several newspapers dated April 17, 2025.
He explained that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, had immediately ordered a thorough investigation into the claims upon sighting the publication.
“The outcome of the investigation reveals that there is nowhere throughout Lagos State that the group mentioned in the report – Boko Haram – was seen, sighted, or arrested,” Hundeyin stated.
He added that following the investigation, police visited the trailer park communities cited in the report. Community leaders, operators, and drivers in the areas confirmed that no such individuals were seen or arrested.
“Furthermore, in the trailer park communities mentioned, the leaders, operators, and drivers in the indicated places in the report clarified to the police that there were no such elements of Boko Haram seen or arrested in those localities,” Hundeyin said.
He further disclosed that operatives from the Surveillance Unit, the Lagos State Police Intelligence Department, and other police formations were dispatched to the named locations for verification.
“No one confirmed the presence or arrest of such group members as reported in the write-up throughout Lagos State,” he said.
The police spokesperson criticised the publication, calling it a fabrication meant to stir fear among the populace.
“Therefore, the report in its entirety is false, malicious, and ill-intended to cause fear and apprehension in the minds of the public,” he asserted.
Hundeyin urged Lagosians to disregard the claims and continue their daily activities without fear.
“Members of the public are encouraged by the Commissioner of Police to go about their duties and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension,” he said.
He also advised the media to exercise responsibility in their reporting and avoid lending credibility to fake news and misinformation that could disrupt public peace.
“The image maker enjoined the media not to allow the use of their esteemed publications to incite fake news and outright falsehoods that could jeopardise the peace and tranquillity being enjoyed in the state,” he noted.
“The writer of the story is advised to verify facts and truth of any information before going to the press,” Hundeyin added.
Assuring residents of continued security, the spokesperson reaffirmed the police command’s dedication to protecting lives and property.
He encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the control room number: 08063299264.
