Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ogun State Police Command has clarified that 38 foreign nationals recently arrested in the Atan‑Ota area were detained for immigration offences and have no connection to banditry, kidnapping or terrorism, dismissing viral social media reports that linked the operation to security breaches. The command also assured residents that no bandit attack occurred in any school or community across the state, contrary to widespread rumours that had triggered panic among parents and forced many to rush to schools to withdraw their children.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the 38 suspects — 19 males and 19 females aged between 25 and 35 years — were arrested during an intelligence‑led operation in Kajola‑Ilese, Atan‑Ota. Preliminary screening revealed that they could not produce valid immigration or travel documents. The individuals claimed to have entered Nigeria for online business activities. After preliminary police procedures, they were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and appropriate administrative action under extant immigration laws.
“At no time during the operation were bandits, kidnappers or terrorists arrested, nor was any security‑related incident recorded in connection with the apprehension,” Babaseyi said. “Any attempt to link the arrested foreign nationals to banditry or any violent criminal activity is entirely false, misleading, and capable of creating unnecessary panic and disturbing public peace.”
The police also debunked false reports circulating on social media alleging bandit attacks on schools and communities in Ota, Ifo and adjoining areas. Following the circulation of the claims, operatives were deployed to the affected locations for on‑the‑spot assessment and confidence‑building patrols. The command’s School Protection Squad, in collaboration with divisional police officers, conducted security assessments of the referenced schools, including Oluke Community High School and Sango Ota High School. The exercise confirmed that all schools were safe, secure and fully operational, with academic activities continuing peacefully and without interruption throughout the day.
The command expressed concern over the needless tension caused by unverified information and urged residents to verify security‑related reports through official channels before sharing them. It reaffirmed that officers remain fully deployed across the state, conducting intelligence‑led operations, routine patrols and other proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.
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