Ogun police rescue two officers mistaken for kidnappers

The Ogun State Police Command has debunked a viral social media report alleging that suspected kidnappers were arrested in Kanuyi Community, Simawa, revealing that the individuals involved were serving police officers who were mistakenly identified as criminals.

The Command said the officers, attached to a Police Mobile Force Squadron in Lagos State, were rescued from an angry crowd after residents suspected them of being kidnappers.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the Simawa Division received information at about 11 a.m. that two suspected criminals had been apprehended by members of the community.

According to him, police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene, where the two men were rescued and taken into protective custody for identification and investigation.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the individuals were serving police officers attached to a Police Mobile Force Squadron in Lagos State,” Babaseyi said.

He explained that further investigation showed that the officers had lost their way while returning from an official duty assignment in Sagamu and were consequently mistaken for suspected kidnappers by some residents.

The police spokesman said their identities were confirmed through valid police identity cards, official deployment documents, uniforms and other service materials, while their parent formation also authenticated their status as serving members of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Command disclosed that before police operatives arrived, some members of the public had searched, photographed and video-recorded the officers, leading to the circulation of misleading posts on social media.

While noting that the officers escaped physical assault, the police expressed concern over the emotional trauma and public suspicion they endured despite being on legitimate duty.

“The officers fortunately escaped physical harm, but the incident subjected them to needless public suspicion and emotional trauma despite their commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” the statement added.

The Command commended residents for their vigilance but warned against mob action and the spread of unverified information, urging the public to allow security agencies to verify facts before drawing conclusions.

It also advised residents to rely on information from official sources and refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports capable of causing panic or damaging reputations.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and called for continued cooperation from members of the public in combating crime and enhancing community safety.