Ogun residents mistake two Lagos policemen for kidnappers, officers rescued from mob

Two serving police officers attached to a Police Mobile Force Squadron in Lagos State narrowly escaped a mob attack in Ogun State after they were mistakenly identified as suspected kidnappers by residents of Kanuyi Community in Simawa, Sagamu Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on Monday when the officers, who were reportedly returning from an official assignment in Sagamu, lost their way and aroused suspicion among members of the community.

The situation escalated after residents apprehended the officers and raised an alarm, leading to the circulation of their photographs and videos on social media with claims that they were kidnappers.

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command said its operatives swiftly intervened after receiving reports of the development, rescuing the officers from an angry crowd and taking them into protective custody for verification.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, preliminary investigations established that the individuals were genuine police officers serving with a Police Mobile Force Squadron in Lagos.

He explained that further checks confirmed their identities through valid police identity cards, deployment documents, uniforms, and other official service materials. Their parent formation also authenticated their status as serving members of the Nigeria Police Force.

The command noted that although the officers were not physically harmed, they endured public suspicion and emotional distress after being wrongly accused.

Babaseyi commended residents for remaining vigilant and supporting security efforts but warned against taking the law into their own hands.

He urged members of the public to avoid mob action and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out proper verification and investigations before drawing conclusions.

The police spokesman added that the incident highlights the dangers of misinformation and the need for stronger cooperation between communities and security agencies in the fight against crime.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to community policing, public safety, and the protection of lives and property across Ogun State.