The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video alleging that about 300 members of the Lukarawa terrorist group had entered the state.
Police Investigation Findings
The Command said a comprehensive forensic analysis and intelligence-based verification conducted on the video found no evidence to support the claim, describing the content as a deliberate attempt to create fear, panic and tension among residents.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the Command said findings from its investigation revealed that the voice-over accompanying the video, purportedly credited to one Alhaji Muftau from Kontagora, had featured in earlier misinformation previously investigated and debunked by security agencies.
Intelligence and Verification
According to the police, intelligence gathered from operatives deployed across border communities, coupled with information obtained through the Command’s early warning and response mechanisms, showed no indication of any movement of terrorists into Oyo State.
The statement added that a joint verification exercise conducted with neighbouring police commands independently confirmed that the information contained in the video was entirely unfounded. Investigators also established that the footage being circulated was neither recorded in Nigeria nor a recent occurrence, further strengthening the conclusion that it was designed to mislead members of the public.
“The viral video alleging the movement of Lukarawa terrorists into Oyo State is false, misleading and deliberately crafted to cause fear and panic among residents,” the Command stated.
Warning Against Misinformation
The police warned individuals and groups against the dissemination of false information capable of undermining public peace and security, stressing that anyone found spreading misinformation intended to incite panic or disrupt public order would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state. He said intelligence-led operations and other proactive security measures would continue to be deployed to sustain the security gains recorded in the state and prevent criminal elements from disrupting public peace.
Appeal to Residents
The Command urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding and rely only on verified information from official sources on security-related matters. It also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance crime prevention and public safety.
