The Nigerian Police Command in Lagos State has debunked the rumor that claimed hundreds of Boko Haram terrorist suspects were apprehended in Lagos by the law enforcement officers. The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin stated this in a statement that was made public on Friday in Lagos.
According to the spokesperson statement, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Olohundare Jimoh, had directed an immediate investigation into the claim to ascertain the true position of the rumor.
“The outcome of the investigation however reveals negative, meaning that there is nowhere throughout Lagos State that the group mentioned in the report – Boko Haram – were seen or sighted or arrested.
The statement added, “Furthermore, in the trailer park communities mentioned, the leaders, operators, and drivers in the indicated places in the report clarified to the police that there were no such elements of Boko Haram seen or arrested in those localities.
“The command, notwithstanding, deployed surveillance police detectives, the Lagos State Police Intelligence Department (SID), and other formations of the Force to the mentioned places for the purpose of verification of the claim.
“No one confirmed the presence or arrest of such group members as reported in the write-up throughout Lagos State.
“Therefore, the report in its entirety is false, malicious, and ill-intended to cause fear and apprehension in the minds of the public,” he said.
Hundeyin therefore, enjoined the general public to disregard and discountenance as the write-up is untrue and a figment of the imagination of the writer which was very unfortunate and despicable and should be out rightly ignored by residents.
“Members of the public are encouraged by the Commissioner of Police to go about their duties and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension, ” he said.
The police authority also enjoined the media not to allow the use of their esteemed publications to incite fake news, and outright falsehood that could jeopardize the peace and tranquility being enjoyed in the state and its environs.
“The writer of the story is advised to verify facts and truth of any information before going to the press,” he said.
Hundeyan assured residents of their safety and the police commitment to protection of lives and property in the state as enshrined in their duty by the constitution..
Meanwhile, he encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call the control room on 08063299264.NAN