The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that suspected Lukarawa terrorists have infiltrated forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.
The Command, in a statement on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, described the claims contained in a viral video and accompanying voice note as baseless, stressing that available intelligence and security assessments do not support the allegations.
According to the police, investigations revealed that the video being circulated is an old clip that has been deliberately recycled and presented as a recent development in an attempt to create fear and panic among residents.
“The Oyo State Police Command unequivocally rejects and dismisses the claims as false, misleading and entirely without factual basis,” the statement said.
The Command urged residents to exercise caution in sharing security-related information on social media and to verify such reports through official channels before dissemination.
Despite dismissing the report, the police said they have intensified security measures across the affected areas as part of efforts to reassure residents and maintain public confidence.
The Command disclosed that intelligence and covert operatives have been strategically deployed to border communities and other vulnerable locations within the Ogbomoso axis to strengthen existing security structures and enhance early warning mechanisms.
It added that the operatives are collaborating closely with traditional institutions, local security networks, hunters, vigilante groups and community stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and ensure swift responses to any security threat.
The police further revealed that visibility policing, confidence-building patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations and strategic deployments have been increased across Ogbomoso, the Old Oyo National Park corridor and adjoining border communities.
According to the Command, the measures are aimed at deterring criminal activities, reassuring residents and sustaining the prevailing peace and security in the area.
While urging residents, especially those in border and rural communities, to remain vigilant, the police encouraged members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements, persons or activities through designated emergency channels and the nearest security formations.
The Command also expressed concern over what it described as the growing trend of fake news, misinformation and unverified security alerts on social media.
The Police warned that such reports have the capacity to create unnecessary panic, disrupt economic activities and divert security resources from genuine threats.
“The dissemination of false security information is not only irresponsible and unethical but also constitutes a criminal offence punishable under extant laws,” the statement noted.
The police also warned individuals involved in originating or circulating false information capable of causing public alarm to desist immediately, stressing that offenders would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Reassuring residents, the Command stated that there is currently no credible intelligence indicating the presence or infiltration of the purported terrorist group anywhere in Oyo State.
Police therefore advised citizens to remain calm, continue their lawful activities without fear and rely solely on verified information released by the Nigeria Police Force and other recognized security agencies.
The Command called on residents to disregard the viral video and voice note in their entirety, emphasizing that sustained vigilance, responsible information sharing and cooperation with security agencies remain critical to maintaining peace and security across the state.
For emergencies, residents were advised to contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre through its toll-free line, 615, or the Oyo State Police Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.