By John Dike, Osogbo
Amotekun Corps in Osun State has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that one of its operatives was arrested by the police in Osogbo while in possession of an AK-47 rifle.
The Corps described the report as false, malicious and misleading, insisting that no personnel of the agency had been arrested in connection with the alleged incident.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Corps’ Public Relations Officer, CSA Yusuf Idowu Abass, the security outfit said the publication was a calculated attempt to tarnish its image, mislead members of the public and undermine the confidence reposed in the agency by residents of Osun State.
According to the statement, the report making the rounds on various social media platforms does not reflect any factual occurrence involving the Osun Amotekun Corps or any of its operatives.
“The public is advised to disregard the publication in its entirety, as it is nothing more than propaganda designed to create unnecessary panic, spread falsehood and bring the Corps into public disrepute,” the statement said.
The Corps further alleged that those behind the report were pursuing a deliberate campaign aimed at diminishing the credibility of an institution that has continued to receive public commendation for its role in maintaining peace and security across the state.
Reaffirming its commitment to lawful operations, the agency maintained that it has consistently operated within the provisions of the law establishing the Osun Amotekun Corps while working in close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to promote community policing, public safety and the protection of lives and property.
It noted that its achievements in crime prevention, intelligence gathering, rescue operations and the protection of communities have earned the Corps widespread recognition from residents, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders.
“The management of the Corps wishes to reassure members of the public that Osun Amotekun remains a law-abiding security outfit committed to professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law. At no time has the Corps deviated from the legal framework governing its operations,” the statement added.
The Corps also urged journalists and members of the public to verify security-related information through official channels before publishing or sharing such reports, stressing that responsible journalism and the responsible use of social media are essential in preventing the spread of misinformation capable of creating unnecessary tension.
It reiterated that the Osun Amotekun Corps would remain focused on its statutory mandate of protecting lives and property across Osun State and would not be distracted by what it described as malicious propaganda intended to undermine its operations.
The security outfit further assured residents that it would continue to work with other security agencies to sustain peace and ensure the safety of communities across the state, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the appropriate security channels.
