The Oyo State Police Command has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging the movement and infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park, describing the claims as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the command said comprehensive intelligence assessments and security reports at its disposal do not support claims of any terrorist movement or infiltration within the affected areas.

The police explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the video and accompanying voice note being circulated were not recent but old materials deliberately recycled and misrepresented to create fear and apprehension among residents of the state.

“The Command unequivocally rejects and dismisses the claims contained in the said video and voice note as false, misleading and entirely without factual basis,” the statement said.

The command urged members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified security-related information and to seek confirmation from official sources before disseminating such reports.

Despite dismissing the allegations, the police said intelligence and covert operatives had been strategically deployed to border communities and other vulnerable locations within the Ogbomoso axis to strengthen existing security measures and early warning systems.

According to the command, the operatives are working closely with local security structures, traditional institutions, hunters, vigilante groups and community-based intelligence networks to enhance information gathering and ensure swift responses to any emerging security threats.

The police added that visibility policing, confidence-building patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations and strategic deployments had also been intensified across Ogbomoso, the Old Oyo National Park axis and adjoining border communities.

The command expressed concern over what it described as the increasing circulation of fake news, misinformation and unverified security alerts on social media, warning that such reports could undermine public confidence, disrupt economic activities and divert security resources from genuine security challenges.

It stressed that the dissemination of false security information constitutes a criminal offence punishable under existing laws, warning individuals involved in originating or spreading such reports to desist immediately.

The command assured residents that there is currently no credible intelligence indicating the presence or infiltration of the purported terrorist group anywhere in Oyo State.

It therefore urged residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities without fear and rely only on verified information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies.

The police also urged residents, particularly those in border communities and rural settlements, to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agency.