The Oyo State Police Command has refuted reports circulating on social media alleging that about 300 members of the Lakurawa terrorist group had entered the state, describing the claim as baseless and intended to create unnecessary panic among residents.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said investigations conducted by the command revealed that the viral video behind the allegation contained false and misleading information.
According to the police, a detailed forensic examination and intelligence assessment found no evidence to support claims that a large number of terrorists had moved into Oyo State.
The command disclosed that the audio attached to the video, purportedly from an individual identified as Alhaji Muftau from Kontagora, matched a previously circulated false narrative that had already been investigated and debunked by security agencies.
Olayinka explained that security operatives deployed across border communities and other strategic locations had intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering, with findings showing no indication of terrorist infiltration into the state.
The police further stated that independent verification carried out in collaboration with neighbouring state commands also confirmed that the claims were entirely unfounded.
Investigations additionally revealed that the footage being circulated was neither recently recorded nor filmed within Nigeria, strengthening suspicions that it was deliberately repackaged to mislead the public and trigger fear.
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The command warned that the spread of unverified security information could undermine public confidence and threaten peace and stability.
It stressed that individuals found intentionally disseminating false information capable of inciting panic or disrupting public order would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
While reassuring residents of the state’s security architecture, the police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbemiga.
The command urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while relying only on verified information from official security agencies and government communication channels.
The clarification comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of the country, with authorities emphasizing the need for responsible use of social media and the verification of information before sharing it with the public.