The Kwara State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that suspected Boko Haram members were arrested within Ilorin metropolis, describing the claim as false, misleading and capable of creating unnecessary panic among residents.
The command said there was no record of any Boko Haram suspect being arrested anywhere in Kwara State, stressing that the viral report was entirely fabricated and should be disregarded by members of the public.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, , the police warned against the spread of unverified security information capable of causing fear and tension within the state.
The statement, which was made available to journalists in Ilorin, clarified that the command had not carried out any operation involving the arrest of Boko Haram suspects in the state capital or any other part of Kwara.
“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the false and misleading information currently circulating on social media alleging that operatives of the Command arrested a group of Boko Haram suspects within Ilorin metropolis,” the statement read.
According to the command, the report being circulated online was inaccurate and had no connection with any official police activity in the state.
The police further explained that security agencies in Kwara remained vigilant and fully committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state, but cautioned individuals against spreading rumours capable of undermining public peace.
The command expressed concern that the circulation of such false security alerts could trigger fear, anxiety and confusion among residents, particularly at a time when the public is expected to cooperate with security agencies in maintaining law and order.
It urged residents to rely only on verified information from official security channels and credible news sources rather than forwarding unconfirmed reports on social media platforms.
According to the statement, misinformation relating to terrorism and insecurity is particularly dangerous because of its potential to create unnecessary apprehension among citizens and damage public confidence.
The police warned that individuals found deliberately spreading false information capable of disturbing public peace could face legal consequences under relevant laws.
The command also called on community leaders, youth groups and social media users to exercise restraint and responsibility in sharing security-related information.
Residents of Ilorin and other parts of the state had reportedly reacted with concern after the viral message began circulating online, claiming that suspected Boko Haram members had been apprehended within the metropolis.
The rumour generated discussions across several social media platforms, with some residents expressing fear over the alleged presence of terrorists within the state capital.
However, the police insisted that there was no security breach of such nature and reassured residents that the state remained calm and under effective security surveillance.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned about the dangers of fake security reports, noting that false alarms can overstretch security resources, fuel public anxiety and create avoidable tension in communities.
The Kwara State Police Command reiterated its commitment to proactive policing, intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard the state against criminal activities.
The statement also encouraged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist in crime prevention and detection.
Residents were advised to contact the police or other relevant security authorities whenever they notice suspicious movements or activities instead of relying on speculation or unverified online posts.
The command maintained that peace and security in the state remained stable and urged citizens to go about their lawful activities without fear.
It added that the police would continue to monitor developments across the state and respond appropriately to any genuine security threat.
The clarification by the command comes amid growing concerns nationwide over the spread of fake news and misinformation through social media platforms, especially on issues relating to insecurity and terrorism.
Authorities have consistently appealed to Nigerians to verify information before sharing it publicly in order to avoid creating panic or disrupting public order.
The Kwara police command concluded by assuring residents that it remained fully prepared to respond to any security challenge and would continue working with relevant stakeholders to maintain peace across the state.
