The Mushin Local Government has refuted claims made by an online platform, Lagos Reporters, regarding recent security incidents in the area, describing the publication as misleading and aimed at tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police and the Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Eyitayo Ijaoribe, the council condemned the report circulating on social media, which accused the Nigeria Police and the council chairman of inaction in the face of rising criminal activities allegedly perpetrated by hoodlums in Mushin.

According to the statement, the emergence of vigilante operations in the area was not due to government inaction but was a proactive step taken by Hon. Bamigboye in collaboration with the Nigeria Police (Area D Command) and local community leaders.

The move was part of a coordinated effort to curb the growing menace of gang-related violence in certain parts of the community.

“Contrary to the claims made in the report, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye and the Area Commander of Area D, ACP Bamidele Awoniyi, have been at the forefront of the campaign to restore peace and order in Mushin,” the statement read.

It further disclosed that the joint efforts of security forces led to the arrest of 23 suspected hoodlums on Monday, June 2, 2025, and another 19 suspects on Tuesday, June 3. All suspects were arraigned in court on Wednesday, June 4, and will face prosecution accordingly.

The government also noted that ongoing surveillance operations are being conducted by the Lagos State Taskforce, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), CP Tactical Team, and divisional police units in the area to apprehend all criminal elements still at large.

Highlighting the chairman’s continuous support for security agencies, the council revealed that Hon. Bamigboye recently donated two Sienna vans to the Area D Command and the CP Tactical Team, in addition to earlier donations of operational vehicles to all police divisions within Mushin. The council chairman also convenes monthly security meetings and provides logistical and financial support to motivate security personnel.

In response to the current unrest, market leaders in Mushin have been directed to close all market operations by 7:00 p.m. daily until calm is fully restored.

The statement strongly condemned the publication by Lagos Reporters, describing it as a campaign of calumny and a dangerous attempt to politicize security issues for online sensationalism. It warned that security agencies are closely monitoring social media content and that individuals found promoting violence or encouraging criminality will be identified and prosecuted.

Residents were urged to work with security agencies by providing useful information that can help track down the perpetrators of the recent attacks.

The council also released official contact numbers for the public to report suspicious activities or provide intelligence:

• Divisional Police Officer, Olosan Police Station – 08066235732
• Head of Operations, Area D Command – 08023849816
• Area Commander, Area D Command, Mushin – 08032467280

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on Mushin residents to cooperate with law enforcement in ensuring lasting peace in our community,” the statement concluded.