The Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has denied any links with a trending list of suspects said to have been arrested in connection with the recent abduction incident in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area.
The Police also described as fake the publication claiming to contain operational details of the ongoing investigation into the recent abduction incident.
The Police Command, in a statement on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the publication, which purportedly revealed the identities of suspects, communication interception records and financial transactions connected to the case, did not originate from the police or any authorised security agency.
It added that the publication is false, speculative and capable of undermining security operations.
According to the Command, the report contained several unverified claims and technical assertions that were neither issued nor endorsed by security authorities handling the investigation.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the said publication is misleading, speculative, and not an official security report,” Ayanlade said.
He stressed that investigations into the abduction remain ongoing and are being conducted through intelligence-led operations, making it necessary to protect sensitive information from public disclosure.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the investigation into the unfortunate incident remains active, sensitive, and intelligence-driven,” he said.
The Police PRO explained that operational details, identities of suspects, investigative leads and financial intelligence related to the case are classified to prevent any compromise of ongoing efforts and to facilitate the successful arrest of those responsible.
“As is standard practice in matters of this nature, operational details, identities of suspects, investigative leads, and financial intelligence components are strictly protected to safeguard ongoing efforts, prevent compromise of field operations, and ensure successful apprehension of all perpetrators,” he added.
Alayande therefore warned members of the public, bloggers and online publishers against spreading unverified information, saying such actions could mislead residents, create unnecessary panic and jeopardise active security operations.
“The Command therefore cautions members of the public, bloggers, and online publishers against the dissemination of unverified, exaggerated, or operationally sensitive information capable of misleading the public, causing panic, or undermining active security operations,” he said.
He further warned that the police would take legal action against any person or group found deliberately circulating false information or interfering with the investigation.
“The Oyo State Police Command will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against any individual or group found deliberately circulating false information, interfering with investigations, or attempting to obstruct ongoing security operations,” Ayanlade stated.
The Command urged residents to rely solely on official channels for information regarding the abduction case and other security developments across the state.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all individuals involved in the crime are identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to ensuring that all those involved in the crime are identified, arrested, and brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
This online medium recalls that the government has given fresh assurances that all kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers who are currently in the captivity of terrorists will be safely rescued.
The development comes hours after the Police also denied reports circulating on social media claiming that pupils and teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom.
Not less than 46 pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15 during an attack by terrorists on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The schools attacked were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
