The Ogun State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic over alleged plans by bandits to invade some communities in the state.

The command made the appeal on Friday while reacting to reports claiming that local hunters in Odeda Local Government Area had raised alarm over alleged threat letters reportedly sent by suspected kidnappers warning of planned abductions of schoolchildren.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said although residents should remain vigilant and security conscious, there was currently no credible intelligence confirming the alleged planned invasion.

Babaseyi, however, assured residents that the command had intensified security measures across the state to forestall any possible threat.

According to him, the police have strengthened intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, patrols and strategic deployments in collaboration with local hunters, vigilantes and other security stakeholders to sustain peace and public safety.

“The Ogun State Police Command has noted the circulation of unverified security reports in some parts of the state and states that there is currently no credible intelligence confirming the alleged threats,” he said.

“Nevertheless, the Command has continued to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, patrols and strategic deployments across the state in collaboration with local hunters, vigilantes and other security stakeholders to sustain peace and public safety.

“The visible police presence, prompt response to incidents, and operational successes recorded across Ogun State remain clear indicators of the effectiveness of the Command’s proactive and intelligence-driven security approach.”

The police spokesperson further advised residents to remain vigilant while refraining from circulating unverified reports capable of heightening fear and anxiety among members of the public.

He added that the command remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

The latest reassurance from the police comes barely 24 hours after the command dismissed a viral video circulating online which allegedly showed the arrest of suspected kidnappers in Ijebu-Igbo.

According to the command, the footage being circulated was an old video recorded in 2024 and not a recent incident as claimed in several social media posts.

Residents were advised to verify information before sharing it on social media or other platforms to avoid spreading misinformation.