A potential mob attack was prevented in Kanuyi community, Simawa, Ogun State, after two serving police officers were wrongly identified as suspected kidnappers by residents.
The Ogun State Police Command disclosed on Monday that the officers, who were attached to a Police Mobile Force Squadron in Lagos State, became stranded and lost their way while returning from an official assignment in Sagamu.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the officers were intercepted by members of the community who became suspicious of their presence and detained them. The residents reportedly searched the officers, took photographs and recorded videos that were later circulated on social media with claims that they were criminals.
Following a report received by the Simawa Police Division around 11 a.m. on June 1, officers were immediately dispatched to the area. The policemen were subsequently rescued from the crowd and taken into protective custody for identification and verification.
Police investigations later confirmed that the two men were genuine serving officers of the Nigeria Police Force. Their identities were established through official identity cards, deployment documents, uniforms and other service materials. Their parent formation also verified that they were on legitimate national assignment.
The Command noted that although the officers escaped physical harm, they suffered unnecessary public embarrassment and emotional distress as a result of the false allegations.
While commending residents for remaining vigilant in the face of security concerns, the police warned against jungle justice and the spread of unverified information, stressing that misinformation could easily put innocent citizens and security personnel at risk.
The Command urged members of the public to allow security agencies to investigate suspicious situations before drawing conclusions and to avoid sharing unconfirmed reports capable of causing panic or damaging reputations.
Police authorities further emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies to enhance public safety and prevent avoidable incidents.