On Saturday, the Nigeria Police Command in Kwara State debunked an alleged intelligence report depicting the state as a base for bandit attacks.
In a statement issued in Ilorin by the command's Police Public Relations Officer, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, the said report trending on social media platforms was condemned, saying Kwara is safe and secure, and no part of the state is occupied by bandits or terrorists.
"The Kwara State Police Command wishes to debunk a fake intelligence report circulating on several social media platforms to the effect that some forest reserves in parts of Kwara State have been surrounded and are ready to be used as launching-pads to attack Kwara State and some neighboring states in the country," the statement reads in part.
"The command wishes to state unequivocally that Kwara State is safe and secure, and that no part of Kwara State is under the control of bandits or terrorists."
"The author and distributer of that fake intelligence report are devious, desirous of sowing a seed of distrust and fear in the minds of the good people of Kwara State in particular, and Nigeria in general; an attempt to create panic in the minds of peace-loving Kwarans."
They have failed!
"The Commissioner of Police, Tuesday Assayomo, has re-stated the police and other security agencies in Kwara State's commitment to protecting and defending the lives and property of citizens and residents of Kwara State," the statement continued.
The CP also assured the people that they would be safe at all times, saying that aggressive and extensive patrols had been put in place in the state, and that vigilante groups and hunters had been recruited to patrol the forests and bushes.
The statement advised the good people of the state to notify the police if any negative or sinister developments are suspected in their vicinity.
The CP also urged state citizens and residents to go about their lawful business without fear of being attacked or intimidated.
The command vowed to continue regular patrols, intelligence gathering, and raids on black spots in collaboration with state security agencies.