Police speak on ‘movement of 300 Lakurawa terrorists into Oyo’

The Oyo State Police Command has debunked a viral video circulating on social media alleging that about 300 Lakurawa terrorists have moved into Oyo State, describing the claim as false, misleading and deliberately designed to create fear and panic among residents.

The Command said extensive forensic analysis and intelligence-based investigations showed that the content of the video lacked credibility and should be disregarded by members of the public.

The clarification comes amid heightened security concerns in the state following recent incidents of kidnapping, which have increased public sensitivity to security-related information circulating online.

Police dismiss viral claim as fabricated
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command said it had conducted a comprehensive forensic review and intelligence verification of the viral video after it gained widespread attention on social media platforms.

According to the statement, the investigation confirmed that the video was deliberately fabricated to spread fear, panic and unnecessary tension among residents of Oyo State.

The police urged citizens not to be misled by the content, stressing that there was no credible intelligence indicating the movement of hundreds of Lakurawa terrorists into any part of the state.

The Command maintained that security agencies remain vigilant and continue to monitor developments across the state’s border communities.

Forensic investigation exposes recycled content
Providing details of the investigation, the police said forensic experts discovered that the voice-over accompanying the viral video, allegedly attributed to one Alhaji Muftau from Kontagora, had previously been used in false security reports that were investigated and debunked.

The Command explained that the discovery pointed to a deliberate attempt by those behind the video to recycle old misinformation and present it as a fresh security threat.

It added that intelligence gathered from officers deployed in border communities, backed by strengthened early warning and rapid response mechanisms, found no evidence to support the claims made in the video.

According to the police, the findings clearly demonstrated that the content was intended to mislead the public rather than provide factual security information.

Joint verification confirms no terrorist infiltration
The statement further disclosed that a joint verification exercise carried out in collaboration with neighbouring police commands independently confirmed that the report of an alleged influx of Lakurawa terrorists into Oyo State was entirely unfounded.

The Command noted that security agencies routinely share intelligence across state boundaries to monitor criminal activities and emerging threats, adding that no information suggesting such a large-scale movement had been received.

Investigations also established that the footage circulating online was neither recorded in Nigeria nor a recent occurrence, reinforcing the conclusion that it was manipulated and circulated to incite unnecessary anxiety.

The police warned that the spread of false security information could undermine ongoing security operations and erode public confidence in law enforcement agencies.

Recent kidnappings fuel public anxiety
The viral video surfaced at a time when Oyo State has been grappling with heightened security concerns following the abduction of students and teachers from schools in the state.

The incidents have raised fears among residents about the possibility of terrorist activities spreading into the South-West, making the circulation of unverified reports particularly sensitive.

While acknowledging the prevailing security challenges, the Police Command stressed that there is no evidence linking the recent kidnappings to the claims contained in the viral video.

It assured residents that security agencies are working closely with other stakeholders to tackle criminal activities and maintain peace across the state.

Police warn against spreading fake security alerts
The Oyo State Police Command warned individuals and groups against deliberately spreading false information capable of threatening public peace and security.

According to the statement, anyone found disseminating fake security alerts intended to incite panic or disrupt public order would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, noting that all lawful measures would continue to be deployed to sustain the security gains already recorded in the state.

Residents were urged to remain calm, law-abiding and rely only on verified information from official security agencies, while promptly reporting suspicious activities through established communication channels rather than circulating unverified messages on social media.