A tragedy was averted in the Kanuyi community of Simawa, Ogun State, after an agitated mob cornered and detained two serving mobile police officers, mistaking them for a gang of kidnappers.
In a statement on Monday by the Ogun State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the officers, who were returning from an official assignment in Sagamu, had lost their way when they were surrounded, subjected to search, and recorded by suspicious community members.
“The clarification became necessary following information received by the Simawa Division on 1st June 2026 at about 11:00 a.m. that two suspected criminals had been apprehended by members of the community.
“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives were immediately mobilized to the scene, where the individuals were rescued from an agitated crowd and taken into protective custody for proper identification and investigation,” the statement partly read.
Before the arrival of the rescue team, members of the public had reportedly searched the lost officers, photographed them, and recorded videos that were subsequently shared on social media with misleading captions labelling them as criminals.
“While the officers fortunately escaped physical harm, the incident subjected them to needless public suspicion and emotional trauma despite their commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” Babaseyi wrote.
According to the Command’s findings, the officers are attached to a Police Mobile Force Squadron in Lagos State, and had been officially deployed to Sagamu for national duties and were heading back to their base when they lost their bearings.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that they were bona fide, serving members of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Verification conducted by the Command confirmed their identities through valid police identity cards, official deployment documents, uniforms, and other service materials.
“Their parent formation also authenticated their status as bona fide members of the Nigeria Police Force engaged in lawful duties,” the statement noted.
While praising the residents for their alertness, the Command warned against jungle justice, pointing out how easily misinformation can lead to the lynching of innocent citizens or security agents.
It also urged the public to exercise restraint and allow security agencies to verify facts before drawing conclusions or publishing damaging content online.
“This incident highlights the challenges and sacrifices security personnel make daily in the discharge of their duties. It also underscores the importance of cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies in promoting safety, preventing misinformation, and ensuring that innocent persons are not unjustly subjected to public condemnation.
“Members of the public are also advised to rely on verified information from official sources and refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports capable of causing panic, damaging reputations, or undermining public confidence in security operations,” the statement concluded.