Oyo State police have dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that suspected Lukarawa terrorists had infiltrated forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park as false.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said intelligence assessments and security reports available to the command did not support claims of terrorist movement or infiltration in the affected areas.
“The Command unequivocally rejects and dismisses the claims contained in the said video and voice note as false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis,” Ayanlade said.
He said preliminary investigations showed that the video being shared online was an old recording that had been deliberately recycled and misrepresented to create fear and panic among residents.
Ayanlade urged members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified security-related content and to seek confirmation from official sources before disseminating such information.
He expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of fake news, misinformation and unverified security alerts on social media, warning that such reports could create unnecessary panic, undermine public confidence, disrupt economic activities and divert security resources from genuine threats.
“The dissemination of false security information is not only irresponsible and unethical but also constitutes a criminal offence punishable under extant laws,” he said.
The police spokesman said the command had intensified security measures across the affected areas. He said intelligence and covert operatives had been deployed to border communities and other vulnerable locations to strengthen security architecture and early warning mechanisms.
According to him, the operatives are working closely with local security structures, community intelligence networks, traditional institutions, hunters and vigilante groups to enhance intelligence gathering and ensure swift responses to security concerns.
The command has also 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.
Ayanlade said the measures were aimed at reassuring residents, deterring criminal activities and maintaining peace and security in the area. He called on residents, particularly those in border communities and rural settlements, to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies.
Ayanlade reassured residents that there was no credible intelligence indicating the presence or infiltration of the alleged terrorist group in Oyo State.