Lagos Police Debunk Gbagada Kidnapping Alert As Fake News, Order Arrest Of Perpetrators

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed a viral security advisory circulating on social media about a surge in kidnappings along the Gbagada Expressway, calling it fake and recycled misinformation.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Command clarified that the alert did not originate from the police and urged residents to disregard it.

He asserted that the ‘fake’ advisory first emerged in January 2024, resurfaced in September 2024, and has now reappeared in March 2025.

According to the statement, despite the false nature of the alert, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered an immediate review of security arrangements in the Gbagada area.

It added that Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders have been directed to reassess and strengthen security measures to prevent any potential threats.

The statement reads in part, "The Lagos State Police Command wishes to, for the umpteenth time, debunk a recurring advisory on social media purportedly emanating from the Command about 'an increase in kidnapping incidents along Gbagada Expressway.' The Command hereby states unequivocally that the claim that such a security alert was issued by the Lagos State Police Command is false.

"This fake advisory first surfaced in January 2024 and was promptly debunked. It surfaced again in September 2024 and was again debunked. It is sad that purveyors of fake news have churned it out again in March 2025.

"That notwithstanding, the Command is not unmindful of the concerns raised in the alert. Consequent upon this, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered an immediate review of the security architecture of the entire area to be carried out by affected Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders, in a bid to forestall such an occurrence.

"The improved security architecture will be regularly reviewed and optimized to ensure absolute security for road users, residents of the area, and the entire people of Lagos State. To this end, CP Jimoh urges Lagosians to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation.

"In the same vein, Lagosians are urged to remain security conscious and report any suspicious activity around them to the nearest police station or call Lagos State Police Command Control Room on 08065154338, 08063299264, or 09129229576.

"Meanwhile, CP Jimoh has given marching orders to detectives of the Command to go on the trail of the mischievous individuals behind this act ill-intentioned to cause unnecessary fear and apprehension among Lagosians with the mandate to apprehend and prosecute them.”

"Purveyors of fake news are equally warned to desist from such criminal acts or face the full wrath of the law," the statement added.