The Oyo State Police Command has debunked a viral video alleging the movement of about 300 Lakurawa terrorists into the state.
The Command described the video as false, misleading, and deliberately designed to cause fear and panic among residents.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
According to Olayinka, a comprehensive forensic analysis and intelligence-based verification showed that the claims contained in the video were untrue.
“The Oyo State Police Command, following a comprehensive forensic analysis and intelligence-based verification, has confirmed that the viral video alleging the movement of about 300 Lakurawa terrorists into Oyo State is false, misleading, and deliberately crafted to cause fear, panic, and heightened tension among members of the public,” the statement read.
According to the police, forensic review of the video revealed that the voice overlay, allegedly attributed to one Alhaji Muftau from Kontagora, matched earlier false information previously investigated and debunked by the Command.
It added that intelligence gathered from operatives deployed across border communities, supported by early warning and response mechanisms, showed no evidence to support the claim.
“Building on this discovery, further intelligence gathered from operatives deployed across border communities, supported by the Command’s strengthened early warning and response mechanisms, found no evidence to support the claim contained in the video,” it stated.
The Command also said a joint verification with neighbouring police formations confirmed that the information was entirely unfounded.
“In addition to these findings, a joint verification process maintained in collaboration with neighbouring Police Commands independently confirmed that the information is entirely unfounded,” the statement added.
It further noted that investigations established that the video was neither recorded in Nigeria nor a recent occurrence.
“Investigations also established that the video currently in circulation was neither recorded in Nigeria nor is it a recent occurrence, further reinforcing the conclusion that the content was designed to mislead the public,” it said.
The report comes weeks after terrorists attacked three schools in the state and kidnapped over 40 teachers and students, sparking concerns of terrorist expansion from the North to southwestern states.
The Command warned individuals and groups against spreading misinformation capable of undermining public peace and security, adding that offenders would be made to face the law.
“In light of these developments, the Command warns individuals and groups against the deliberate spread of misinformation capable of undermining public peace and security. Anyone found disseminating false information intended to incite panic or disrupt public order will be investigated and made to face the full weight of the law,” it warned.
The statement reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga.
It advised members of the public to rely only on verified official channels for security information and to remain calm and law-abiding.