By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging the infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park, describing the claims as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Command said comprehensive intelligence assessments and security reports available to law enforcement agencies do not support claims that terrorists have entered or established a presence in the affected areas.
The police were reacting to a viral video and accompanying voice note alleging that members of the Lukarawa group had moved into parts of Oyo State, particularly communities around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park axis.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, preliminary investigations revealed that the video being circulated was an old recording that had been deliberately recycled and falsely presented as a recent development.
“The Oyo State Police Command unequivocally rejects and dismisses the claims contained in the said video and voice note as false, misleading and entirely without factual basis,” the statement said.
The Command warned residents against sharing unverified security-related content, urging members of the public to confirm information from official sources before disseminating it.
Despite dismissing the claims, the police disclosed that intelligence and covert operatives had been strategically deployed to border communities and other vulnerable locations within the affected axis to strengthen existing security measures and enhance early warning systems.
The Command said the operatives were working closely with local security structures, traditional institutions, hunters, vigilante groups and community intelligence networks to improve information gathering and ensure swift responses to potential security threats.
It added that visibility policing, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations, confidence-building patrols and other strategic deployments had been intensified across Ogbomoso, the Old Oyo National Park corridor and adjoining border communities.
According to the police, the measures are aimed at reassuring residents, deterring criminal activities and preserving the prevailing peace in the area.
The Command expressed concern over the growing trend of misinformation and fake security alerts on social media, warning that such reports could create fear, disrupt economic activities, undermine public confidence and divert security resources from genuine threats.
It stressed that deliberately originating or circulating false security information constitutes a criminal offence punishable under the law.
“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 statement added.
The police reassured residents that there is currently no credible intelligence indicating the presence or infiltration of the purported terrorist group in Oyo State and urged citizens to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear.
Residents were also encouraged to report suspicious movements or activities through the state’s emergency channels and the nearest security formations.
The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state through vigilance, community partnership and proactive policing.
