Police refute viral video claims of terrorists in Ogbomoso

The Oyo State Police Command has refuted rumours of alleged terrorist movement into Ogbomoso, Oyo State, reiterating its warning against the spread of unverified information.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Ayanlade was reacting to a video and accompanying voice note circulating on social media, alleging the movement and infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.

The statement read, “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to address and clarify 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 rejects and dismisses the claims contained in the said video and voice note as false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis. 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.

“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 called on members of the public, particularly residents of border communities and rural settlements, to remain vigilant and security-conscious.

It also urged citizens to promptly report any suspicious movement, persons, or activities to the nearest police station, security formation, or through established emergency channels.

The Command also expressed concern over the increasing circulation of fake news, misinformation, and unverified security alerts 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 Command said.

The Command assured that the Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command, would 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.

It also reassured residents that there is currently no credible intelligence indicating the presence or infiltration of the purported terrorist group within the state.

It advised citizens to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear, while relying solely on verified information from official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies.

“The public is urged to disregard the said video and voice note in their entirety. Together, through vigilance, responsible information sharing, and sustained cooperation with security agencies, we shall continue to keep Oyo State safe, peaceful, and secure,” the Command said.