CITIZENS COMPASS —The Lagos State Police Command has said the Command did not issue a travel advisory making the rounds on social media, and purportedly emanated from its office, about incessant kidnappings along Gbagada Expressway.
The Command stated that the Advisory is untrue, and can’t emanate from any of its officers.
Debunking the fake news in a statement signed by the spokesman of the Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, which was made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), the Command insisted that no such security alert was issued by them.
It however, acknowledged the concerns raised in the alert, and quoted the Commissioner of Police, AdegokeFayoade as ordering “an immediate review of the security architecture of the entire area by affected Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders, in a bid to forestall such an occurrence.”
The statement reads in full:
RE: GBAGADA EXPRESSWAY TRAVEL ADVISORY
The Lagos State Police Command wishes to debunk a now viral advisory on social media purportedly emanating from the Command about “an increase in kidnapping incidents along Gbagada Expressway.”
The Command hereby states unequivocally that the claim that such a security alert was issued by the Lagos State Police Command is false.
That notwithstanding, the Command is not unmindful of the concerns raised in the alert. Consequent upon this, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni has ordered an immediate review of the security architecture of the entire area by affected Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders, in a bid to forestall such an occurrence.
The improved security architecture will be regularly reviewed and optimized to ensure absolute security for road users, residents of the area and the entire people of Lagos State. To this end, CP Fayoade urges Lagosians to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation.
In the same vein, Lagosians are urged to remain security conscious and report any suspicious happening around them to the nearest Police Station or call Lagos State Police Command Control Room on 08065154338, 08063299264 or 09129229576.
The purported Travel Advisory reads;
SUBJECT: URGENT SECURITY ALERT: HEIGHTENED KIDNAPPING ACTIVITY ALONG GBAGADA EXPRESSWAY, LAGOS
This mail is for the attention of all Lagos residents.
Trust this meets you well.
We are writing to bring your attention to a critical security alert we have received from the Lagos State Police Command.
According to the information provided, there has been an increase in kidnapping incidents along the Gbagada Expressway. The perpetrators are employing the “one chance” method of targeting unsuspecting commuters. Report also says that they are utilizing “Danfo” vehicles carrying up to 5 individuals.
In light of this alarming situation, we strongly urge everyone to exercise extreme caution when commuting through this area. Please remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety. Avoid late nights and if possible, consider alternative routes or means of transportation until the security situation is brought under control.
We advise that you share this information with your family and friends, as heightened awareness and collective vigilance are crucial in maintaining the safety and well-being of our community.
Stay Safe!
