The Lagos State Government has formally refuted circulating reports that claim there’s a surge in kidnapping incidents along the Gbagada Expressway. According to state officials, the alarming flyer being shared online is false information, designed to cause public panic rather than issue a genuine warning.
What the Government Says
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, expressed concern about the repeated reappearance of the alert. In a message on his official social media account, he called the flyer “fake news” and urged residents to ignore it. He explained that similar claims had been debunked in the past but were now being recycled by “purveyors of fakery.”
What the Flyer Claims
The viral flyer, styled to look like an official security alert, warns commuters to avoid late-night travel on the Gbagada Expressway. It alleges that armed criminals are using a “one-chance” method — targeting passengers in commercial buses (locally known as “danfo” vehicles). The flyer further advises that commuters use alternative routes and remain “extremely vigilant.”
Police Support Government Denial
The Lagos State Police Command has also denied issuing any such travel advisory. Their spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated unequivocally that no alert was ever released by the command. He noted that the same claim has surfaced multiple times before — in January 2024, September 2024, and again in March 2025.
Despite labeling the advisory as “recycled misinformation,” the police said they are not ignoring public concern. Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh has ordered a “review of the security architecture” along the Gbagada corridor. Area commanders and divisional officers are being directed to intensify safety measures and maintain regular review of security protocols.
Expert Verification
Media fact-checkers also weighed in. According to FactCheck Africa, the memo circulating on WhatsApp appears to be fabricated. The site notes that it mimics the format of genuine official communications, but lacks date, signature, and verifiable origin. The content includes typical scare tactics — “one-chance” robbery, danfo buses, and an alleged police warning — but is not backed by any credible source.
The Bigger Picture
While the alert itself is false, it underscores a deeper issue: public anxiety about crime and safety in Lagos. The repeated resurfacing of such claims reflects how easily misinformation can propagate via social media, especially when it taps into existing fears.
Lagos residents are being reminded to stay alert — but also to rely on official channels for accurate security updates: not flyers forwarded on WhatsApp. The state and police both continue to emphasize public vigilance, urging commuters to report any suspicious activities rather than spreading unverified warnings.
📚 References
- Vanguard — Lagos dismisses viral kidnapping claims on Gbagada Expressway
- Sahara Reporters — Lagos Govt Denies Viral Claims Of Rising Kidnapping Along Gbagada Expressway, Labels Alert Fake
- FactCheck Africa — Viral Memo on Gbagada Expressway Abductions is False!
- Vanguard — Gbagada Expressway Kidnappings: Police Debunk Viral Advisory in Lagos
- The Whistler — Lagos CP Dismisses Gbagada Kidnapping Reports, Orders Arrest Of Culprits
- The Nation — Police Urge Public to Disregard Kidnapping News in Lagos
