The Oyo State Police Command has debunked a trending video circulating on social media that claims Boko Haram insurgents invaded the state via the Ibadan Expressway, describing the footage as recycled and misleading.
In a statement issued Tuesday in Ibadan, Command spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, clarified that the viral video—purporting to show articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons—is an old clip from 2022, being falsely presented as a current security threat.
“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,” Osifeso stated.
He noted that the reappearance of the outdated footage comes at a time of heightened security operations in the state and may be the work of malicious actors aiming to incite panic and spread falsehoods.
“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP Segun Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video,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,” Osifeso added.
The police urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, stressing that there is no current threat to public safety in the state. The command also reiterated its commitment to ensuring the security of all residents.
Osifeso warned the public against sharing outdated or unverified content, especially on social media, noting that such actions could cause unwarranted fear and disrupt public peace.
The police further encouraged the public to verify the authenticity of information before spreading it and to report any genuine security concerns to relevant authorities.
