38 Ivorians Arrested in Ogun Not Bandits — Police Clarify

The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed reports of bandit attacks and insecurity in parts of the state, clarifying that the arrest of 38 Ivorians in Atan-Ota was unrelated to terrorism or criminal invasions.

Police spokesperson, Babaseyi Oluseyi, said in a statement that claims circulating on social media about attacks on schools and communities in areas such as Sango-Ota, Ifo, Agbado, and Ijoko were false and misleading.

He stressed that there had been no incidents of banditry, kidnapping, or terrorist activity in the affected communities, adding that the state remains calm and secure.

According to the command, security operatives were deployed to schools and surrounding communities following the viral reports to verify the situation and reassure residents.

The Police School Protection Squad and divisional officers conducted assessments in institutions mentioned in the reports, confirming that all schools were safe, operational, and conducting normal academic activities without disruption.

Oluseyi noted that findings from patrols across the affected areas showed that commercial and social activities were also continuing peacefully, with no threat to lives or property.

He explained that the operation in Kajola-Ilese, Atan-Ota, which sparked the misinformation online, resulted in the arrest of 38 foreign nationals from Côte d’Ivoire.

The suspects, comprising 19 males and 19 females aged between 25 and 35, were reportedly found in an apartment during an intelligence-led operation.

The command urged members of the public to verify security-related information before sharing it, warning that false reports could create unnecessary panic and tension in communities.

Police reiterated that Ogun State remains safe and assured residents of continued surveillance and security presence across key locations.