🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Ogun State Police clarify 38 Ivorians arrested in Atan-Ota are not bandits, debunking social media claims
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Ogun State Police Command has refuted social media reports of bandit attacks and invasions in communities and schools across the state, clarifying that the recent arrest of 38 Ivorian nationals in Atan-Ota was not related to banditry or terrorism. Babaseyi Oluseyi, the command's public relations officer, stated that Ogun remains safe and secure, contrary to claims of attacks on schools and communities in areas like Ota and Ifo. Oluseyi confirmed there have been no bandit attacks, kidnappings, or terrorist activities in the mentioned locations. Police operatives and the School Protection Squad conducted assessments, finding all schools safe, secure, and fully operational. The 38 foreign nationals, comprising 19 males and 19 females aged 25 to 35, were arrested in an apartment during an intelligence-led operation in Kajola-Ilese, Atan-Ota. They could not produce valid immigration documents and claimed to be in Nigeria for online business. They have since been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation. The police emphasized that linking these arrests to banditry is false and misleading. This clarification follows heightened insecurity concerns in the South-West and the recent arrest of a tailor for circulating a fake video claiming bandit invasion in Atan-Ota. The command urged the public to verify security information through official channels to prevent panic and disorder.
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