The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video alleging that about 300 Lakurawa terrorists had moved into Oyo State, assuring residents that there is no security threat linked to the claim.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said a comprehensive forensic analysis and intelligence-based verification conducted by the command revealed that the video was deliberately designed to spread fear, panic, and tension among members of the public.
According to the police, forensic findings showed that the voice-over in the video, allegedly attributed to one Alhaji Muftau from Kontagora, matched previous false security alerts that had already been investigated and debunked by authorities.
The command said intelligence gathered from operatives stationed in border communities, supported by strengthened early warning and response mechanisms, found no evidence to support claims that Lakurawa terrorists had entered Oyo State.
The police further disclosed that a joint verification exercise carried out with neighbouring police commands independently confirmed that the information contained in the video was entirely unfounded.
Investigations also established that the footage being circulated was neither recorded in Nigeria nor recent, reinforcing the conclusion that it was being used to mislead the public.
The command warned individuals and groups against spreading false information capable of undermining public peace and security, stressing that anyone found disseminating such content to incite panic or disrupt public order would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining security across the state, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, assured residents that the command would continue to deploy all lawful measures to safeguard lives and property and prevent any attempt to destabilise the peace currently enjoyed in Oyo State.
The police advised residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and rely only on verified and official sources for security-related information. Emergency reports can be made through the Oyo State Call Response Centre on toll-free number 615 or the Police Command Control Room via 08081768614 and 07055495413.
