The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed as misleading a viral video circulating on social media that purportedly shows the recent arrest of Fulani men allegedly caught with arms and ammunition in the Ikorodu area of the state.
The command clarified that the footage is not a recent incident but an old video recorded more than three years ago, stressing that it does not reflect the current security situation in Ikorodu or any other part of Lagos State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the recirculation of the outdated video as a current event was capable of causing unnecessary panic and fear among residents.
According to the police spokesperson, presenting the old footage as a fresh development amounts to misinformation and could undermine public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
“The video currently circulating on social media platforms depicting the arrest of some Fulani men allegedly found in possession of arms and ammunition in Ikorodu, Lagos State, is an old clip of an incident that occurred over three years ago and does not reflect the current security situation in Ikorodu or any part of Lagos State,” the statement said.
The command urged members of the public to disregard the video and avoid sharing unverified reports capable of creating tension or disturbing public peace.
It also warned social media users, bloggers and content creators against spreading false or alarmist information, noting that individuals found deliberately disseminating fake news would face legal action.
“Individuals found deliberately spreading misinformation or fake news will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with extant laws,” the police added.
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Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, has directed the continued deployment of security personnel and operational assets to strategic locations, identified black spots, and entry and exit points across the state.
The police said the security operations are being carried out in collaboration with other law enforcement and security agencies to maintain safety and strengthen crime prevention efforts throughout Lagos.
Reassuring residents and visitors, the command stated that adequate measures have been put in place to protect lives and property, urging citizens to continue their lawful activities without fear.
The police further called on the public to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious movements, persons, or activities within their communities.
According to the command, cooperation between residents and security agencies remains essential to sustaining public safety and combating crime across the state.