The Oyo State Police Command has debunked a viral video circulating on social media that claims suspected Boko Haram insurgents attempted to invade Oyo town.
Authorities say the footage is outdated and not linked to any current security threat.
In a statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Osifeso Adewale, clarified that the video, which depicts articulated trucks loaded with motorcycles and alleged weapons, is actually from 2022.
“The video in circulation is not a reflection of any present situation in Oyo State,” Adewale said. “It is a recycled clip, and there is no current threat linked to the content being shared.”
He added that investigations revealed the presence of a now-retired officer, DSP Segun Adeyemo, in the clip further confirming its age. “DSP Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long and meritorious service,” Adewale noted.
The Command described the resurfacing of the video as a calculated attempt by malicious individuals to spread fear and disrupt public peace. “The timing of the video’s reappearance, during a period of enhanced security measures, is suspicious and intended to incite unnecessary panic,” the police spokesman stressed.
Reaffirming the police’s commitment to public safety, Adewale urged citizens to avoid sharing unverified or outdated information. “We appeal to the public to verify all information through credible sources before sharing, especially on social media platforms,” he said. “Spreading false information undermines our collective efforts to maintain peace and order.”
The Command further encouraged residents to report suspicious activities and provided emergency contact numbers for rapid response: the Oyo State Call Response Center toll-free line 615, and the Police Control Room lines 08081768614, 09054133071, and 09061299291.
“Security is a shared responsibility,” Adewale emphasized. “Together, with public cooperation, we can continue to uphold the safety and stability of our community.”
