Oyo police debunks false allegations of terrorists’ movement into Ogbomoso axis, warns against spread of fake news

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims in a video and accompanying voice note currently circulating across various social media platforms alleging the movement and infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.

The command unequivocally rejected and dismissed the claims contained in the said video and voice note as false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis.

Ayanlade Olayinka, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),  said in a statement that comprehensive intelligence assessments and security reports available to the Command do not support nor suggest the existence of any such terrorist movement or infiltration within the areas mentioned.

“Preliminary investigations further reveal that the video being circulated is not recent. Rather, it is an old video that has been in circulation for some time and is being deliberately recycled and misrepresented to create fear, panic, and apprehension among residents of Oyo State.

The Command, therefore, urged members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified security-related content and to always seek confirmation from official sources before disseminating such information.

“Notwithstanding the falsity of the report, the Oyo State Police Command remains proactive and resolute in its commitment to the safety and security of all residents of the State. Consequently, intelligence and covert operatives have been strategically deployed to border communities and other vulnerable locations within the affected axis to further strengthen the robust security architecture and early warning mechanisms already in place.

“The deployed operatives are working in close synergy with existing local security structures, community-based intelligence networks, traditional institutions, hunters, vigilante groups, and other critical stakeholders to ensure enhanced intelligence gathering, prompt information sharing, and swift response to any emerging security concerns.

“In addition, the Command has significantly increased visibility policing, confidence-building patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations, and strategic deployments across Ogbomoso, the Old Oyo National Park axis, and adjoining border communities. These measures are aimed at reassuring residents, deterring criminal elements, and maintaining the prevailing peace and security within the area.

The Command therefore called on members of the public, particularly residents of border communities and rural settlements, to remain vigilant and security-conscious. Citizens are encouraged to promptly report any suspicious movement, persons, or activities to the nearest police station, security formation, or through established emergency channels.

“Furthermore, the Command expresses serious concern over the increasing trend of fake news, misinformation, and unverified security alerts being deliberately circulated on social media platforms. Such false reports are capable of creating unnecessary panic, generating fear among law-abiding citizens, undermining public confidence, disrupting economic activities, and diverting security resources from genuine security concerns.

The dissemination of false security information is not only irresponsible and unethical but also constitutes a criminal offence punishable under extant laws. Individuals who deliberately originate, publish, or circulate false information with the intent to cause public alarm, incite fear, or destabilise the peace and security of the State are hereby warned to desist forthwith.

The Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command, will leave no stone unturned in identifying, investigating, arresting, and prosecuting any individual or group found culpable of spreading falsehoods capable of jeopardising public peace and security.

The Command reassures residents of Oyo State that there is currently no credible intelligence indicating the presence or infiltration of the purported terrorist group within the State. Citizens are therefore advised to remain calm, go about their lawful activities without fear, and rely solely on verified information disseminated through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies.

While urging to disregard the said video and voice note in their entirety, the statement stated that “together, through vigilance, responsible information sharing, and sustained cooperation with security agencies, we shall continue to keep Oyo State safe, peaceful, and secure.