Oyo Police expose fake terrorist infiltration video, urge public calm

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video alleging that approximately 300 members of the Lakurawa terrorist group had entered the state, assuring residents that there is no security threat linked to the claim.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, described the video as a deliberate attempt to spread fear, panic, and unnecessary tension among the public.

According to the police, a thorough forensic examination and intelligence-based verification carried out by security operatives revealed that the allegations contained in the video were entirely 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 said.

The Command disclosed that its forensic review of the footage showed that the voice narration attached to the video, which was allegedly attributed to an individual identified as Alhaji Muftau from Kontagora, bore similarities to earlier misinformation that had previously been investigated and debunked by security agencies.

Police authorities further explained that intelligence gathered from officers and operatives stationed across border communities within and around the state found no evidence supporting the claims made in the video.

The findings were reinforced by the Command’s strengthened early warning and rapid response systems, which continually monitor potential security threats.

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In addition, the police revealed that a joint verification exercise conducted with neighbouring state police commands independently confirmed that the report lacked any factual basis.

Investigations also established that the video was neither recently recorded nor filmed in Nigeria, contrary to the impression being created by those circulating it online.

The Command urged residents to disregard the video and refrain from sharing unverified security-related content capable of causing public anxiety. It also reassured citizens that security agencies remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding lives and property across Oyo State.

The police encouraged members of the public to rely only on official channels for security information and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities