Oyo State police command has clarified that the viral video circulating on social media showing Boko haram invading the state is not new but rather recycled footage.
The statement was made by CSP Adewale Osifeso, Public Relations Officer for the command, in a press release issued on Tuesday in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a video clip is currently being circulated on social media alleging the arrest of suspected Boko Haram members, who invaded the state, along the Ibadan Expressway
“The Police Command in Oyo wishes to address the recent circulation of misleading information on social media regarding a video that purportedly shows an attempted invasion of the state by Boko Haram elements intercepted along the Ibadan Express road.
“The video, which allegedly depicts articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, has been verified as a recycled clip from 2022,” he said.
Osifeso believed that the timing of the video implied a deliberate attempt by individuals to mislead the public and put fear and unrest as well as spread false information.
“The command urges the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics; we assure that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of the state.
“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer, DCO, at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP. Segun Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long period of meritorious service,” he added.
Osifeso reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding all residents in the state.
He urged the public to be cautious and verify information thoroughly before sharing on social media, especially outdated videos about previously settled matters.
