By The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed viral social media claims alleging that suspected Lukarawa terrorists have gained access into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.
The Command described the reports as false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on Wednesday, June 10, the claims contained in the circulating video and accompanying voice note are baseless and inaccurate.
He explained that the video is an old clip that has been in circulation for some time and is being deliberately recycled and misrepresented to create panic among residents of Oyo State.
“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,” the statement said.
While dismissing the claim as false, the Command disclosed that intelligence and covert operatives have been deployed to border communities and other vulnerable locations to enhance visibility policing, confidence-building patrols, and intelligence-led stop-and-search operations aimed at protecting residents.
“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,” the statement added.
The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, security formation, or through established emergency channels.
The police also expressed concern over the continued spread of unverified security alerts and misinformation across the state. Ayanlade noted that such false alarms are capable of causing unnecessary panic, undermining public confidence in security agencies, and stretching already limited security resources.
AfrikTimes recalls that the Command recently confirmed the arrest of two suspects, including a pastor, for allegedly spreading false information claiming that bandits invaded Lamidi Community in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State and killed six people.
The police stressed that spreading false security information is not only irresponsible and unethical but also a criminal offence punishable under extant laws, warning that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted accordingly.
