The Oyo State Police Command has debunked the alleged infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.
TheHintsNews reports that a video and accompanying voice note had been circulating across various social media platforms alleging the movement and infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.
However, the command in a statement issued Wednesday dismissed the claims describing the video and voice note as false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis.
It added that comprehensive intelligence assessments and security reports available to the Command do not support nor suggest the existence of any such terrorist movement or infiltration within the areas mentioned.
It said: “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to address and clarify a video and accompanying voice note currently circulating across various social media platforms alleging the movement and infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park.
“Preliminary investigations further reveal that the video being circulated is not recent. Rather, it is an old video that has been in circulation for some time and is being deliberately recycled and misrepresented to create fear, panic, and apprehension among residents of Oyo State.
The Command, therefore, urged members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified security-related content and to always seek confirmation from official sources before disseminating such information.
It noted: “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.
“Consequently, intelligence and covert operatives have been strategically deployed to border communities and other vulnerable locations within the affected axis to further strengthen the robust security architecture and early warning mechanisms already in place.
“The deployed operatives are working in close synergy with existing local security structures, community-based intelligence networks, traditional institutions, hunters, vigilante groups, and other critical stakeholders to ensure enhanced intelligence gathering, prompt information sharing, and swift response to any emerging security concerns.”
The command noted that it has significantly 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.
These measures, it added, were aimed at reassuring residents, deterring criminal elements, and maintaining the prevailing peace and security within the area.
The Command called on members of the public, particularly residents of border communities and rural settlements, to remain vigilant and security-conscious.
It said citizens are encouraged to promptly report any suspicious movement, persons, or activities to the nearest police station, security formation, or through established emergency channels.