Police Deny Claims Of Terrorist Movement In Ogbomoso, Warn Against Fake News

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading claims circulating on social media alleging the movement of suspected terrorists into Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, warning residents against spreading unverified security information.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the Command was compelled to address a viral video and voice note alleging infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.

He described the claims as “false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis,” adding that intelligence assessments and security reports available to the Command did not support any such activity in the area.

According to him, preliminary investigations showed that the video being circulated was an old clip that had previously been in circulation and was being recycled to create panic among residents.

The Command urged members of the public to always verify security-related content from official sources before sharing, warning that misinformation could trigger unnecessary fear and disrupt public order.

“Notwithstanding the falsity of the report, the Oyo State Police Command remains proactive and resolute in its commitment to the safety and security of all residents of the State,” the statement said.

The police added that intelligence operatives had been deployed to border communities and vulnerable areas to strengthen existing security architecture and early warning systems.

It said the operatives were working with local security structures, traditional institutions, vigilante groups, hunters, and community-based intelligence networks to enhance surveillance and response capacity.

The Command also disclosed that visibility policing, patrols, stop-and-search operations, and strategic deployments had been intensified across Ogbomoso, the Old Oyo National Park axis, and adjoining border communities.

“These measures are aimed at reassuring residents, deterring criminal elements, and maintaining the prevailing peace and security within the area,” it added.

Residents, particularly in rural and border communities, were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.

The Command expressed concern over what it described as a rising trend of fake news and misinformation on social media, warning that such content could undermine public confidence and divert security resources.

It stressed that the spread of false security information constitutes a criminal offence and warned individuals responsible for circulating such content to desist or face prosecution.

The police assured residents that there was no credible intelligence indicating the presence of any terrorist group in Oyo State and urged the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities.

“Together, through vigilance, responsible information sharing, and sustained cooperation with security agencies, we shall continue to keep Oyo State safe, peaceful, and secure,” the statement added.