The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Johnson Adenola, has clarified that a recent video depicting the invasion of Oyo Town by suspected Boko Haram insurgents was a recycled video.
According to him, the video which showed articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, was verified to be a recycled clip from 2022.
CP Adenola made the clarification in a release, Reference: AZ:5250/OY/PPRO/VOL.6/292, dated 28 April, 2025 and signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso.
The press release was titled “Trending Recycled Video Claiming An Attempted Invasion Of Oyo Town By Boko Haram – A Call For Responsible News Sharing.”
The Commissioner of Police described the video which resurfaced on the social media few days ago as a misleading information.
He stated that the re-emergence of this video, particularly during a period of enhanced security, was a deliberate attempt by some individuals with malicious intent, to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest within the community.
The Oyo Police boss however gave an assurance that the video does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of Oyo State.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to address the recent circulation of misleading information on social media regarding a video that purportedly shows an attempted invasion of Oyo 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.
“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP.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.
“We wish to assure the public that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of Oyo State,” he stated in the press release.
The Oyo Police Command urged the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of all residents in Oyo State.
“In light of this, we kindly request that the public avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that have been previously resolved.
“Additionally, we strongly encourage citizens to adopt a cautious approach when sharing information, ensuring that it is thoroughly verified through credible sources before dissemination on social media and other platforms, thereby mitigating the risk of public alarm and disruption to social order,” it was added in the release.
The law enforcement agency urged members of the public to contact the Command, in case of emergency, through the following numbers:
Oyo State Call Response Centre: Toll-Free Line- 615;
Oyo State Police Command Control Room Lines- 08081768614, 09054133071 and 09061299291.
“If you notice any suspicious activities, please report them. Together, we can uphold the safety and security of our community,” it was stated in the release.
