The Oyo State Police Command has debunked a viral video alleging that about 300 Lakurawa terrorists had moved into the state, describing the claim as false, misleading and deliberately designed to create fear and panic among residents.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command said a comprehensive forensic analysis and intelligence-based verification found no evidence to support the allegation.
According to the police, findings from the forensic review revealed that the voice overlay in the circulated video, purportedly attributed to one Alhaji Muftau from Kontagora, matched earlier false information that had previously been investigated and debunked by the Command.
The statement noted that further intelligence gathered from operatives deployed across border communities, alongside the Command’s strengthened early warning and response mechanisms, also failed to establish any evidence supporting the claim.
The Command added that a joint verification exercise conducted with neighbouring police commands independently confirmed that the information was entirely unfounded.
Investigations further established that the video currently being circulated was neither recorded in Nigeria nor a recent occurrence, reinforcing the conclusion that the content was intended to mislead the public.
The police warned individuals and groups against the deliberate spread of misinformation capable of undermining public peace and security, stressing that anyone found disseminating false information aimed at inciting panic or disrupting public order would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
It stated that the Command would continue to deploy all lawful measures to sustain the security gains recorded in recent times and ensure that any individual or group seeking to destabilise the peace enjoyed in the state is arrested and prosecuted.
The police urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding and rely only on verified and official channels for security-related information.
For emergencies, members of the public were advised to contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre through the toll-free number 615 or the Oyo State Police Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.
