Old video falsely linked to Oyo kidnap rescue operation

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Juliet Buna

Claim: A Facebook user, Fari Elysian, posted a video claiming to show rescue operations for kidnapped victims in Oyo State.

Verdict: False. The video predates the most recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State. 

Full Text

Following the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, several viral claims have circulated online in connection with the incident, some of which have been fact-checked by DUBAWA and found to be false.

In light of this, a Facebook user, Fari Elysian, posted a video archived link here on June 5, 2026, claiming that rescue operations were ongoing for kidnapped victims in Oyo State.

The post reads, “Rescue operations are currently underway in Oyo State as security teams and local vigilantes move in to free kidnapped victims. The situation has created serious tension, but the bravery and determination of the rescue team have given many people hope. Reports indicate that the vigilantes are working tirelessly on the ground, risking their lives to ensure the safe return of those who were taken. Many Nigerians are praying for their safety and for a successful rescue.”

As of June 8, 2026, the post had over 1,200 comments, 2,800 likes, and more than 143 shares.

Some users reacting to the video noted that the operation should not have been recorded, while others criticised the method used. Salihu Ibn Sanni said, “They are still giving the Bandit information, be that ooo!!. Why records and posting it on social media naaa??”

Itz Terex said, “This kind of operation is supposed to be a silent operation, nah, why announce it?” 

Ajibike Eyitayo Semiu said, “Why videoing? This is supposed to be confidential ahhhh”

Screenshots from the video were shared on Facebook, while the post was reshared on Instagram, X, and YouTube.

DUBAWA decided to fact-check the claim due to its virality and its link to a sensitive security situation in Oyo State.

Verification

We conducted reverse image searches and found that the video was originally posted on the Facebook page of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, FCT Command, on May 7, 2026. The voice accompanying the original upload referenced an operation in “Darka forest.” We saw vigilante groups moving in a single file toward the Forest in the Kuje Area Council.

The narrator said, “Darka forest, a forest called danger forest. The vigilante groups of Nigeria are on the operation queue in a single file line approaching Danger forest in Darka Kuje area council.”

This indicates that the video predates the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State and was not connected to the June 2026 claim made on Facebook.

Other social media users also posted the video on Instagram and Facebook, referencing the FCT Command’s Operational Squad of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria. 

Conclusion

The claim that the video shows ongoing rescue operations for kidnapped victims in Oyo State is false. Evidence shows that the video was first published on May 7, 2026, and is unrelated to the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.