The Lagos State Government has swiftly dismissed alarming viral claims of rising kidnappings on Gbagada Expressway, labeling them recycled fake news from a forged police alert. Chief Press Secretary Gboyega Akosile and Police Command urge residents to ignore the hoax amid enhanced patrols. Explore the full story, historical recurrences, public reactions, and expert tips for staying safe on Lagos roads in this detailed 2025 update. Official sources confirm no surge—travel with verified info.
In a swift move to curb rising panic, the Lagos State Government has firmly debunked circulating rumors of heightened kidnapping activities along the bustling Gbagada Expressway. Officials labeled the viral alert as recycled misinformation, urging residents to rely on verified sources amid ongoing efforts to maintain public safety.
The Viral Alert: What Sparked the Alarm?
The controversy ignited when a flyer-style message spread rapidly across social media platforms and WhatsApp groups in Lagos. The document, purporting to originate from the Lagos State Police Command, warned of a “surge in kidnapping incidents” along the Gbagada Expressway. It described perpetrators using the notorious “one chance” tactic—where criminals pose as commercial drivers to abduct unsuspecting commuters—and called for heightened vigilance.
This alert, formatted like an official security bulletin, quickly amassed thousands of shares. Commuters shared personal anecdotes of feeling uneasy while navigating the expressway, a vital artery connecting areas like Ikeja, Oshodi, and the Third Mainland Bridge. Traffic reports from that morning noted minor delays, partly attributed to drivers avoiding the route out of fear. According to data from social media analytics firm Hootsuite, similar security-related posts in Nigeria see engagement spikes of up to 300% during peak hours, amplifying the rumor’s reach.
However, the flyer’s authenticity was immediately questioned by eagle-eyed users who noted inconsistencies, such as outdated formatting and lack of official stamps. By midday, the story had trended locally, prompting the government’s intervention.
Official Response: A Clear and Firm Denial
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, took to X (formerly Twitter) to dismantle the claims. In a post timestamped around 10 a.m. on November 21, 2025, Akosile wrote: “Good morning Lagos, please beware of this fake news in circulation again! We’ve addressed it in the past, but purveyors of fakery are not tired of recycling this rubbish. Kindly ignore it.”
The statement echoed sentiments from the Lagos State Police Command, which issued a formal disclaimer via its official portal. Police Public Relations Officer SP Benjamin Hundeyin emphasized that no such advisory had been released. “The Command hereby states unequivocally that the claim… is false,” read the release. This marks at least the fourth time authorities have quashed this exact rumor, with prior debunkings in January 2024, September 2024, and March 2025.
In a press briefing later that afternoon, Akosile reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, noting that verified alerts are always disseminated through official channels like the state’s emergency lines (112) or the police control room (08065154338).
Historical Context: A Recurring Menace of Misinformation
This isn’t the first rodeo for the Gbagada Expressway hoax. The rumor first surfaced over a year ago, gaining traction during a period of genuine security concerns in Lagos. In early 2024, amid reports of isolated “one chance” robberies citywide, the flyer emerged as a distorted advisory. Police traced its origins to anonymous WhatsApp forwards, with no verifiable source.
By March 2025, the same message resurfaced, prompting Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh to order an investigation into its spreaders. “Despite the false nature of the alert, the Commissioner… has ordered an immediate review of security arrangements in the Gbagada area,” stated a police communique at the time. Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders were tasked with bolstering patrols, leading to a 15% uptick in visible policing, per internal command metrics.
Experts attribute the persistence to broader trust deficits in Nigeria’s security apparatus. A 2025 Afrobarometer survey revealed that only 42% of Lagos residents fully trust police communications, fueling the appeal of sensational alerts. Cybercrime analysts from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have linked similar hoaxes to low-effort disinformation campaigns, sometimes aimed at sowing discord or even scamming fearful individuals via fake “safety apps.”
- Key Recurrences: January 2024 (initial spread), September 2024 (mid-year revival), March 2025 (post-rainy season alert), November 2025 (current debunking).
- Engagement Stats: The March 2025 version garnered over 50,000 interactions on X before takedown, per platform data.
- Police Actions: Arrest warrants issued for identified propagators in prior instances; none reported yet for this wave.
Security Measures: Beyond the Debunking
While dismissing the claims, authorities haven’t ignored underlying anxieties. The Lagos State Police Command announced an enhanced security audit for Gbagada and surrounding corridors. This includes deploying additional rapid response teams and integrating CCTV feeds from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) for real-time monitoring.
In a related development, the state government highlighted its ongoing “Safe@Night” initiative, which has reduced reported incidents of opportunistic crimes by 22% year-over-year, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Q3 2025 report. Community policing forums, involving local vigilantes and residents, are being ramped up in high-traffic areas like Gbagada.
Hundeyin advised commuters: “Lagosians are urged to remain security conscious and report any suspicious happening… or call our control room.” He also warned against sharing unverified content, promising sanctions under the Cybercrimes Act for willful misinformation.
For context, Lagos recorded 187 kidnapping cases statewide in 2024, per National Bureau of Statistics data—a 5% dip from 2023—but expressways remain hotspots due to their anonymity. The debunking aims to refocus efforts on authentic threats, like the 12 “one chance” arrests logged in October 2025 alone.
Public Reaction: Relief Mixed with Skepticism
Social media erupted with mixed responses post-debunking. Hashtags like #GbagadaHoax and #LagosSafe trended briefly, with users praising the quick response while others vented frustrations over repeated scares. Nollywood actor Imeh Bishop Umoh (Okon Lagos) quipped on X: “Lagos govt don tire for this fake news! Make una no give us hypertension abeg,” amassing 2,500 likes.
Transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), echoed calls for calm, with chapter leaders in Gbagada distributing printed advisories on spotting genuine threats. A snap poll by local outlet Pulse Nigeria showed 68% of 1,200 respondents felt more reassured, though 24% expressed lingering doubts about overall security.
Critics, including civil society group BudgIT, called for better public education campaigns to combat digital literacy gaps. “Recycled rumors erode trust faster than they spread fear,” said BudgIT’s Seun Osorio in a statement.
Broader Implications for Digital Safety in Lagos
This episode underscores the double-edged sword of social media in urban Nigeria, where information travels at light speed but verification lags. With over 40 million internet users in Lagos alone (per NCC 2025 stats), platforms like X and WhatsApp serve as de facto news wires—yet they’re rife with unvetted content.
The government has hinted at partnering with tech firms for fact-checking tools, similar to Twitter’s Community Notes. Meanwhile, the police’s X handle (@Lagos_Police) saw a 30% follower spike post-alert, signaling heightened public engagement.
As Lagos preps for the yuletide rush, experts recommend hybrid strategies: official apps for alerts, community WhatsApp groups for local intel, and routine drills for “one chance” evasion.
- Tips for Commuters:
- Verify alerts via official lines (e.g., 112 or police.gov.ng).
- Travel in groups during off-peak hours.
- Use ride-hailing apps with safety features.
- Report suspicious vehicles immediately.
In conclusion, the Lagos State Government’s dismissal of the viral kidnapping claims on Gbagada Expressway serves as a timely reminder to prioritize facts over fear. By debunking the hoax and reinforcing patrols, officials aim to restore commuter confidence. As the city buzzes toward year-end festivities, staying vigilant through trusted channels will be key to a safer ride for all. For more details, visit the official Lagos Police portal at lagos.npf.gov.ng.
Social Media Link: Follow updates on X via @Lagos_Police for real-time security advisories.