The Nigeria Police Force has refuted a viral video circulating online that falsely claims to depict scenes connected to the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
In a statement shared via its official X handle on Friday, the Force clarified that the footage being circulated is not related to the incident and did not originate from Nigeria. According to the police, the clip is an old video that has been deliberately misused to spread false information and trigger unnecessary public panic.
Authorities described the circulation of such content as misleading, warning that unverified social media posts can distort public understanding of ongoing security operations and potentially obstruct rescue efforts.
The Force further urged members of the public to be cautious when sharing information online, especially content tied to sensitive security matters, stressing the need to rely strictly on verified updates from official channels.
It also reaffirmed that security operations in Oyo State have been intensified following the abduction, with additional personnel and intelligence resources deployed to track down and rescue the victims.
Officials stated that the Nigeria Police remains fully committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted students and teachers, noting that coordinated efforts with other security agencies are ongoing.
While operational details were not disclosed, authorities emphasized that all available resources have been mobilized for the rescue mission.
The police reiterated that misinformation could fuel confusion and undermine ongoing operations, urging the public to verify information before sharing it.
They maintained that official statements remain the most reliable source of updates as investigations and rescue efforts continue.
