Police Dismiss Viral Claim of 300 Lakurawa Terrorists Entering Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed a viral video alleging that about 300 Lakurawa terrorists had entered the state, describing the claim as false, misleading and deliberately intended to create fear among residents.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.

According to the Command, extensive forensic examinations and intelligence-based investigations found no evidence supporting the allegations contained in the widely circulated video.

“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 police explained that a forensic review of the recording revealed that the voice-over, allegedly linked to one Alhaji Muftau from Kontagora, matched a previous piece of false information that had already been investigated and debunked by security agencies.

The Command further disclosed that intelligence reports from officers deployed across border communities, supported by strengthened early-warning and response mechanisms, found no indication of any terrorist infiltration into the state.

“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,” the statement added.

Police authorities also carried out a joint verification exercise with neighbouring state commands and security formations, all of which independently confirmed that the report was unfounded.

Investigations additionally established that the footage being circulated was neither recently recorded nor filmed within Nigeria, further reinforcing the conclusion that the content was designed to mislead the public.

The Command warned individuals and groups against spreading false information capable of undermining public peace and security, stressing that anyone found deliberately disseminating such content would face legal consequences.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Abimbola Olugbenga.

Residents were advised to remain calm, law-abiding and rely solely on verified information from official security channels, while continuing to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities.