Police dismiss Ikorodu arms arrest video, warn against misinformation

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media showing the arrest of some Fulani men allegedly found with arms and ammunition in Ikorodu, clarifying that the footage is an old clip from an incident that occurred more than three years ago.

The command said the video does not reflect the current security situation in Ikorodu or any part of Lagos State and warned that its recirculation as a recent event could cause unnecessary panic among residents.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said presenting the outdated footage as a fresh incident was misleading and capable of creating fear and apprehension among members of the public.

“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 read.

The police urged residents to disregard the video and refrain from sharing unverified information capable of undermining public confidence and peace.

The command also warned social media users and content creators against disseminating false, unverified and alarmist reports, stressing that those found deliberately spreading misinformation would face legal consequences.

“Individuals found deliberately spreading misinformation or fake news will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with extant laws,” the statement stated.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, has directed the sustained deployment of police personnel and operational assets to identified black spots, strategic locations and entry and exit points across the state.

According to the command, the measure is being implemented in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure “the continued safety and security of all residents and visitors in Lagos State.”

The command assured residents that adequate measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property and encouraged them to go about their lawful activities without fear.

It also called on members of the public to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and providing timely and credible information on suspicious persons, movements and activities within their communities, noting that public cooperation remains critical to crime prevention and public safety.