The Lagos State Police Command has debunked fake news reports asserting that hundreds of Boko Haram suspects have been arrested in Lagos.
Following the publication, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, directed an immediate investigation into the report to ascertain the true position of the claim.
The outcome of the investigation reveals that there is nowhere throughout Lagos State that the group mentioned in the report – Boko Haram – were seen or sighted or arrested.
Furthermore, in the trailer park communities mentioned, the leaders, operators, and drivers in the indicated places in the report clarified to the police that there were no such elements of Boko Haram seen or arrested in those localities.
The Command, notwithstanding, deployed surveillance police detectives, the Lagos State Police Intelligence Department (SID), and other formations of the Force to the mentioned places for the purpose of verification of the claim. No one confirmed the presence or arrest of such group members as reported in the write-up throughout Lagos State.
Therefore, the report in its entirety is false, malicious, and ill-intended to cause fear and apprehension in the minds of the public. Lagosians are thereby enjoined to disregard and dis-countenance the write-up as untrue and a figment of the imagination of the writer which is very unfortunate and despicable and should be outrightly ignored.
Members of the general public in Lagos State are encouraged by the Commissioner of Police to go about their duties and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension.
The media are enjoined not to allow the use of their very esteemed publications to incite fake news, and outright falsehood that can jeopardize the peace and tranquility being enjoyed in Lagos State.
The writer of the story is advised to verify facts and truth of any information before going to the press.
The Lagos State Police Command wishes to assure Lagosians of their safety and will not be distracted from ensuring adequate security for all Lagosians and the ultimate protection of life and property in the State.