Police pick up 38 foreigners, dismiss bandit attack reports in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed reports of bandit attacks on schools and communities in Ota and Ifo areas of the state, while clarifying that 38 foreign nationals recently arrested in Atan-Ota were not linked to any form of violent crime. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP […]

The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed reports of bandit attacks on schools and communities in Ota and Ifo areas of the state, while clarifying that 38 foreign nationals recently arrested in Atan-Ota were not linked to any form of violent crime.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command said reports circulating on social media about bandits attacking schools and communities in Ota, Ifo and adjoining areas were false and misleading.

“The Command states unequivocally that there has been no bandit attack, kidnapping incident, terrorist activity, or any form of security breach anywhere in Ogun State, including Oluke Community High School, Sango Ota High School (Ijoko axis), Fadunsin Area of Ijoko, Atan-Ota, Sango-Ota, Agbado, Ifo, and other adjoining communities,” the statement said.

According to the police, operatives were immediately deployed to the affected locations following the circulation of the reports to verify the claims and reassure residents.

The command said its School Protection Squad, working with Divisional Police Officers in the affected areas, conducted security assessments at schools mentioned in the reports, including Oluke Community High School and Sango Ota High School.

“The exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure, and fully operational. School activities continued peacefully and without interruption throughout the day, with students and staff completing a successful academic day before normal closure,” the statement added.

The police expressed concern over the panic generated by the reports and urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information.

The command also clarified circumstances surrounding the arrest of 38 foreign nationals in Kajola-Ilese, Atan-Ota.

According to the police, the suspects, comprising 19 males and 19 females from Côte d’Ivoire and aged between 25 and 35 years, were arrested following credible intelligence.

“The individuals were found in an apartment following credible intelligence and were unable to produce valid immigration or travel documents during preliminary screening,” the statement said.

The statement quoted the suspects to have  told investigators that they entered Nigeria for online business activities.

“Upon conclusion of preliminary police procedures, they were duly handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and appropriate administrative action in line with extant immigration laws and protocols,” the police stated.

The command stressed that the arrest was unrelated to banditry, kidnapping or terrorism.