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The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a viral video circulating online that falsely claims to depict scenes from the recent abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo State, saying the footage is unrelated and originated outside the country.
In a post on its X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, the Force said the video was an old clip being recycled to spread misinformation and cause unnecessary panic among the public.
The Nigeria Police Force has noted that an old video from outside Nigeria is being falsely associated with the recent abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo State.
This video is unrelated to the incident and is being used to spread misinformation and cause unnecessary… pic.twitter.com/2ylhzY4bHO— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) May 29, 2026
“This video is unrelated to the incident and is being used to spread misinformation and cause unnecessary panic,” the Police said.
Police authorities stated that the circulation of unverified content on social media could distort public understanding of ongoing security operations and potentially hinder rescue efforts.
The Force urged Nigerians to rely strictly on verified updates from official channels and avoid sharing content that could fuel confusion or anxiety.
Security agencies also confirmed that operations had been intensified following the abduction, with additional personnel and intelligence assets deployed to track and rescue the victims.
Officials said the police remained committed to securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, noting that coordinated efforts were ongoing to ensure their safe return.
The Police further cautioned the public against sharing sensitive or misleading content online, warning that misinformation could undermine rescue operations.
It reiterated that official statements remain the most reliable source of information as investigations and rescue efforts continue
