The Oyo State Police Command has said the trending video claiming that Boko Haram invaded Oyo Town is misleading.

According to a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Osifeso Adewale, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the video is a recycled material by mischief makers.

Osifeso said it was a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent, seeking to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest within the community.

The statement read: “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. We wish to assure the public that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of Oyo State.
“The re-emergence of this video, particularly during a period of enhanced security, suggests a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent, seeking to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest within the community.

“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP.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”.

The command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of all residents in Oyo State, saying: “In light of this, we kindly request that the public avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that have been previously resolved”.

It also encouraged 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.

The command urged the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics, adding that: “If you notice any suspicious activities, please report them. Together, we can uphold the safety and security of our community”.