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Presidency goofs, falsely accuses VDM over doctored ‘Tinubu audio’

Nurudeen Akewushola
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Presidency goofs, falsely accuses VDM over doctored ‘Tinubu audio’

FINDINGS have shown that the Presidency goofed after threatening social media commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over a manipulated audio clip falsely attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The controversial doctored audio the Presidency was referring to was not part of original video posted by VDM.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had on Wednesday called for the activist’s prosecution, accusing him of disseminating fake audio linked to the president.

“This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu. This is a clear case of an egregious abuse of the social media platform,” Onanuga wrote on his verified X account.

The presidential aide was reacting to a viral clip circulating online in which AI-generated voice notes resembling Tinubu’s voice made controversial remarks about insecurity in the South-East, opposition parties, borrowing from the World Bank, and the 2027 general election.

The video was shared by an X user, @Pious_minister, who alleged that the doctored audio of the President was used in one of VDM’s videos.

“How do you really convince someone who has already decided and believes in their mind that this is actually Asiwaju’s voice? What kind of cheap propaganda is this?

“VDM knows that Ibos are highly emotional people, and that’s why he enjoys riding on their emotions,” the user wrote.

However, checks by The FactCheckHub show that the viral clip did not originate from VDM’s original upload.

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the video in circulation is a manipulated version of Instagram video posted by VDM on Tuesday, May 26.

In the original footage, the activist was reacting to comments made by content creator and philanthropist Mitchell “King Mitchy” Mukoro, who had alleged that his necklace was a charm and claimed he visited a shrine.

Screenshot of the original post made by VDM

Responding, VDM played an old campaign clip of Tinubu speaking about electricity and governance ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

In the original campaign footage aired by TVC News, Tinubu had said Nigerians should not vote for him for a second term if he failed to improve electricity supply.

“Whichever way, by all means necessary, you must have electricity, and you won’t pay for estimated bills anymore. A promise made will be a promise kept. If I don’t keep my promise and I run for a second term, don’t vote for me. That’s the truth,” Tinubu said in the original clip.

However, findings show that an unidentified individual later extracted portions of VDM’s original video and inserted a doctored voice note resembling the president’s voice.

The edited clip retained the opening section of VDM’s original video before switching to the fabricated audio, creating the false impression that the activist shared or endorsed the recordings himself.

The manipulated version subsequently circulated widely on social media and appeared to have prompted Onanuga’s call for VDM’s prosecution.

VDM blasts Presidency

Reacting in a video posted on his social media page, VDM lampooned Onanuga, insisting that he would not defend the controversial AI-generated clip.

The activist criticised the Presidency for reacting swiftly to the manipulated audio while allegedly remaining silent over recent insecurity incidents, including the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State.

“Bandits went into a school in Oyo State, they carried three teachers, one man, two women, they carried students. One of the teachers was backing an infant child. Few days later, there was a report that one of the teachers was beheaded. Bayo Onanuga, where is your comment on that?”

“As I speak to you today, it is Children’s Day. Those children are still in an unknown location. I want to see wetin una wan do. It’s only stupid people that will believe that video,” he wrote.

VDM’s lawyers faults Presidency’s verification process

Reacting to the accusation, VDM’s lawyers, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, accused the Presidency of failing to verify the authenticity and origin of the manipulated clip before publicly attacking their client.

“A simple verification of our client’s verified social media platforms would have confirmed that he neither made nor shared the said audio,” the lawyers stated.

They further described the Presidency’s comments as premature and unsupported by evidence.

“It is therefore surprising that, despite the resources available to the Presidency, adverse comments were made concerning our client without proper verification of the facts,” the team added.

The lawyers called on security agencies to investigate the actual source of the doctored audio and identify those responsible for creating and circulating it.

Old skit falsely shared as Nigerian soldiers losing battle against Oyo kidnappers

Nurudeen Akewushola
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Old skit falsely shared as Nigerian soldiers losing battle against Oyo kidnappers

An X user, @Gozie07, has posted a video purportedly showing a Nigerian soldier on the battlefield saying that three men had died and urgently requesting backup.

The user posted the video on May 20, 2026, suggesting that soldiers involved in the operation to rescue the people abducted in Esin-Ele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State recently are facing defeat.

READ : Claims of mass kidnapping in Oyo, state of emergency in South West are FALSE

He captioned the post: “Nigerian soldiers are falling wotowoto (in droves) in Oyo. They will never show you this, they only have the right ammunition when it has to do with IPOB, Biafra matter in south east. The hypocrisy of the military & their govt. Poor stupid soldiers.”

As of May 25, 2026, the post had generated over 500 reposts and more than 900 likes.

CLAIM

Video shows Nigerian soldiers suffering defeat while pursuing kidnappers in Oyo State.

screenshot of the viral post

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.

The claim surfaced amid public concern over the abduction of pupils and staff from schools in Esin-Ile and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that triggered security operations in the area.

READ ALSO : Viral video of protester calling for military takeover is from Edo not Oyo

However, checks by The FactCheckHub show that the viral footage has no connection to the Oyo kidnapping incident.

The FactCheckHub subjected keyframes from the video to Google Reverse Image Search, which traced the footage to a Facebook content creator known as Oga Dan, who posted the video on May 5, 2026 – ten days before the Oyo abduction occurred.

A review of the account shows that the creator regularly produces staged military-themed skits and battlefield-style content.

Similar videos from the same account, as can be seen here and here, show that the content is fictional and created for entertainment purposes.

This confirms that the footage predates the Oyo incident and was falsely repurposed to support a misleading narrative about the Nigerian military.

VERDICT

The claim that the video shows Nigerian soldiers suffering defeat while pursuing kidnappers in Oyo State is FALSE. The footage is a staged skit that had been online before the Oyo abduction incident and has no connection to the ongoing security operation to rescue the victims.

Viral chart falsely inflates Nigeria’s extreme poverty data

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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Viral chart falsely inflates Nigeria’s extreme poverty data

A race chart circulating on social media claims to show a data breakdown of the number of people living in extreme poverty by country between 1992 and 2026.

The interactive ranks Nigeria at the top of the global index, claiming that over 94 million (94,725,734) Nigerians live in extreme poverty.

A verified x user @ejykmykel1 made this post on May 21, 2026, with the caption: “Number of People Living in Extreme Poverty by Country (1992–2026). Focus on Nigeria and China. “In 1992, China held the first position globally with the largest number of people living in extreme poverty. Nigeria ranked eighth during the same period. 

“By 2026, Nigeria has advanced to the first position among countries with the highest number of individuals in extreme poverty. China, in turn, has moved from its leading position in 1992 to a position of negligible extreme poverty headcount. 

“This dramatic shift in global rankings, with Nigeria ascending to the top while China has effectively resolved the challenge at scale, further demonstrates that Nigeria is a failing state.”

As of May 22, the post has garnered over 23,000 views, 450 reposts and over 400 likes. The post has misled many people due to the data used and the current economic realities.

READ: Manipulated images falsely portray Buhari as alive in Egypt

CLAIM

Data shows Nigeria currently ranks first globally with 94,725,734 people in extreme poverty.

Screenshot of the viral post on x

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE. The figures, current headcounts, and timeline metrics used in the viral infographics are completely fabricated and conflict directly with official global poverty databases.

A comparative analysis by The FactCheckHub of the data displayed in the viral chart against the official records of the World Poverty Clock reveals major data manipulation.

The viral chart claims Nigeria has 94,725,734 people living in extreme poverty. However, live data for 2026 from the World Poverty Clock dashboard shows Nigeria’s actual extreme poverty headcount stands at 73,099,724, which constitutes roughly 31 per cent of the population. The graphic’s creator inflated the current figure by more than 21 million people.

screenshot of the current count

The historical benchmarks for other countries are also heavily distorted. The chart claims that China had an extreme poverty population of 26,318,034 in 2016. Data archived by the World Poverty Clock for 2016 shows the actual number was 19,863,870, representing about one per cent of China’s total population at the time.

World Poverty Clock data for 2016 shows Nigeria’s extreme poverty count was 46,101,218. This represented about 25 per cent of the country’s total population of 186,010,140 at the time, but the chart said otherwise.

Furthermore, checks show that Nigeria does not occupy the top position on the global extreme poverty index. According to current indicators from the World Poverty Clock, South Sudan ranks as the country with the highest extreme poverty rate in the world. That is, 13,324,141 people out of 16,590,820 are currently living with extreme poverty, and that’s over 80 per cent of its population living below the global poverty line.

Also, according to the World Population Review Poverty Index, South Sudan maintains the highest extreme poverty density globally at approximately 82.3 per cent. This means that only 17.7 per cent of its population live above the poverty line (of $3.65 per day as set by the World Bank), while Nigeria maintains approximately 56.2 per cent extreme poverty rate, and only 43.8 per cent of its popular live above the poverty line.

While Nigeria currently maintains high extreme poverty rate, it’s not the top country on the list as claimed by the post.

VERDICT

The infographic ranking Nigeria’s extreme poverty population at 94.7 million is FALSE. Real-time indicators from the World Poverty Clock shows that the current 2026 figure is 73 million. South Sudan holds the highest global poverty density, and the historical reference points used across the chart’s timeline have been completely manipulated.

No! Video does not show Smart Adeyemi criticising Tinubu’s administration over insecurity

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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No! Video does not show Smart Adeyemi criticising Tinubu’s administration over insecurity

A VIDEO circulating on social media claims to show the former senator who represented Kogi West Senatorial District, Smart Adeyemi, criticising President Bola Tinubu on the floor of the Senate over insecurity in Nigeria.

The accompanying caption claims that Adeyemi was fiercely addressing Tinubu’s administration, warning it that loyal party members could no longer remain silent.

The video, which features a digital watermark reading “22-05-2026” from an account branded as EdoOnlineTv, was shared by a verified X user @DAMIADENUGA on May 22, 2026, with the caption: “President Tinubu should understand that we, the loyal supporters of the APC, can no longer remain silent, our security system has c0llaps£d, and every part of this country now lives under f£ar and uncertainty.”

As of May 22, the clip has generated over 17,000 views, 400 likes and more than 130 reposts.

READ: Manipulated images falsely portray Buhari as alive in Egypt

CLAIM

Video shows APC Senator Smart Adeyemi during a Senate plenary session on May 22, 2026, lambasting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over nationwide insecurity.

screenshot of the viral post on x

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING.

A reverse image search conducted on keyframes from the video, combined with keyword searches, reveals that the video is completely recycled.

The emotional plenary session featuring Adeyemi took place on April 27, 2021. He was contributing to an urgent motion sponsored by another senator, Mohammed Musa, regarding the infiltration of Boko Haram terrorists into communities in Niger State. The lawmaker broke down in tears as he criticised the administration of the then President Muhammadu Buhari’s handling of the situation and called on president, now late, to rise to the occasion and seek foreign assistance. Adeyemi argued that the nation was on fire.

READ ALSO: Viral sponsored post falsely claims Buhari endorsed fraudulent trading platform

Unedited footage found by The FactCheckHub, dating back to April 2021, shows that the statement was explicitly directed at Buhari and not at Tinubu. Tinubu did not assume office until May 29, 2023, more than two years after Adeyemi passed his remarks, as contained in the video.

Furthermore, Adeyemi is not a member of the current 10th National Assembly. He served in the 9th National Assembly, which concluded its term in June 2023.

VERDICT

The claim that the video shows Smart Adeyemi criticising Tinubu’s administration over insecurity is MISLEADING. The video is from April 2021 during the late Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency. The digital timestamp is fabricated, as Adeyemi has not served in the Nigerian Senate since 2023.

 

Video from Ethiopia falsely used to depict armed bandits in Nigeria

Nurudeen Akewushola
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Video from Ethiopia falsely used to depict armed bandits in Nigeria

A video circulating on social media claims to show armed bandits in Nigeria preparing for a fresh attack.

The footage shows a large group of armed men running in circles, chanting in an unfamiliar language while carrying weapons.

An X user, @NemeremNjoku, shared the video on May 22, 2026, with the caption: “This is Nigeria, yes you should be worried.”

As of May 22, the post had generated over 1,000 engagements, including reposts and likes, with many users expressing concern over the alleged threat.

CLAIM

Video shows armed bandits in Nigeria preparing for an attack.

screenshot of the viral post

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.

The video appears to be resurfacing amid heightened public anxiety over worsening insecurity in parts of Nigeria, including the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno, among other insecurity incidents that have renewed public fears about safety.

However, checks by The FactCheckHub show that the footage is not from Nigeria.

READ ALSO : No, video does not show bandits attack on Abuja community

The same video had circulated months earlier. On November 28, 2025, a Nigerian senator, Ned Nwoko, shared the footage on his verified Instagram account while advocating for citizens to be legally armed for self-defence. Even though the post provided no verified evidence that the footage was from Nigeria, the video has been used repeatedly by social media users to depict terrorists operating in Nigeria.

In a version of the video shared by a Facebook account, Politics Nigeria in November 2025, a Facebook account, Bill Rogan, pointed out that the video shows “Oromonians in Ethiopia who have been fighting for independence since 1973 as the original natives of the land!”

The claim had also been fact-checked by Dubawa in November 2025, and it was traced to Ethiopia, not Nigeria.

The organisation contacted Rehobot Ayalew, an Ethiopian fact-checker, who confirmed that the individuals in the footage were speaking Afaan Oromo, one of the major languages widely spoken in Ethiopia’s Oromia region.

According to her, the attire worn by the men, particularly the red and green colours, also aligns with symbols associated with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), an Ethiopian political movement with armed factions.

This confirms that the footage has no connection to Nigeria and is being falsely recirculated in a misleading context.

VERDICT

The claim that the video shows armed bandits in Nigeria preparing for an attack is FALSE. The footage is traced to Ethiopia, where it shows individuals linked to the Oromo Liberation Front, not bandits in Nigeria.

Viral video falsely claims terrorists invade Ibadan community

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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Viral video falsely claims terrorists invade Ibadan community

A VIRAL video circulating on social media, shared by a verified X user @Somtolism7, claims to capture a violent invasion of a local community in Ibadan, Oyo State, by terrorists.

The footage shows terrified residents running down an untarred road as commercial motorcycles speed past.

The post accompanied with the caption:

“Just in: Fulanis terrorists just stumbled another community in Ibadan.”

As of May 22, the post has garnered over 230,000 views, 2500 likes and over 1000 reposts. In addition to profiling the Fulani ethnic group, the claim has incited fear and has been virally shared.

READ: Reno Omokri makes false claim about Nigeria’s debt reduction under Tinubu

CLAIM

A viral video captures an allegedly recent invasion of an Ibadan community in Oyo State by terrorists.

screenshot of the viral post on x

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.

The video was not filmed anywhere in Nigeria, nor does it portray any local herder-farmer clashes or domestic security operations.

Keyword searches done by The FactCheckHub traced the unedited version of the footage back to an Instagram reel posted by Congolese media handle, @congoyetu_, on May 8, 2026.

The upload occurred exactly two weeks before the cropped version was deceptively recirculated on Nigerian social media spaces.

The original, uncropped video features a clear French text overlay that reads:

“Panique à Byakato, dans le territoire de Mambasa, après des rumeurs signalant la présence des ADF dans la cité”. Translated into English, it reads: “Panic in Byakato, in the territory of Mambasa, following rumors signaling the presence of the ADF in the town.”

screenshot of the original footage on Instagram

Also, official security reports from Xinhua News Agency and global updates from CGTN Africa confirm that on May 7, 2026, a real incursion by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels hit the town of Biakato (also spelled Byakato) in the Mambasa Territory of Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The attack killed at least 12 civilians and triggered massive panic, forcing hundreds of local residents to flee their households for safety.

VERDICT

The claim that the viral video shows “Fulani terrorists” invading Ibadan is FALSE. The original footage captures Congolese civilians fleeing a humanitarian crisis in Biakato village, Democratic Republic of Congo, following an attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militant group.

Viral post falsely claims South-West states, Kwara lack cocoa plantations

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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Viral post falsely claims South-West states, Kwara lack cocoa plantations

A POST circulating on social media claims that South-West states, including Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, and Ogun, alongside Kwara State, have no cocoa plantations.

The user shared a screenshot of a news headline detailing Enugu state’s launch of a 20-hectare pilot cocoa plantation to argue that traditional cocoa-producing states in the South-West are suffering from “visionless leadership” and have abandoned production.

A verified X user @tajudine2013gm2 made the post on May 19, 2026, with the caption:

“No Cocoa plantation in Oyo. No Cocoa Plantation in Osun. No Cocoa Plantation in Ekiti. No Cocoa Plantation in Ondo. No Cocoa Plantation in Ogun. No Cocoa Plantation in Kwara. But Enugu State that was not a beneficiary from Cocoa under Awolowo is planting it. We are suffering from Visionless Leadership.”

As of May 20, the post has garnered over 24,000 views, 140 likes and over 50 reposts.

The post has sparked intense regional debates regarding agricultural output and economic management.

READ: True! Dove soap, other cosmetic products banned in 2022 for containing toxic chemicals

CLAIM

The post claims that Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, and Kwara states currently have no cocoa plantations.

Screenshot of the viral post on X

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.

Checks by The FactCheckHub into the data from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) and the Cocoa Association of Nigeria confirm that Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, and Kwara are active, federally recognised cocoa-producing states. Nigeria’s cocoa belt remains heavily concentrated within the South-West geopolitical zone, which accounts for over 70 per cent of the country’s total annual cocoa export volume.

READ MORE: AI-Generated images falsely show Osimhen, VeryDarkMan welcoming Tinubu in Turkey

Ondo State stands as Nigeria’s largest cocoa producer, contributing over 50 per cent of the country’s entire output. Academic and export data published via ResearchGate documents that hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers actively cultivate over 600,000 combined hectares of functional cocoa plantations across Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states.

The news article screenshot used in the viral post details an official announcement reported by Nairametrics regarding Enugu State partnering with private investors to establish a new 20-hectare pilot cocoa plantation to expand its revenue base. The article highlights that Enugu is sourcing high-yielding seedlings specifically from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria based in Ibadan, Oyo State, to jumpstart its new local initiative.

VERDICT

The claim that Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, and Kwara states have no cocoa plantations is FALSE. These states form the bedrock of Nigeria’s multi-million-dollar cocoa export economy, and official data proves their plantations remain fully operational.

AI-Generated images falsely show Osimhen, VeryDarkMan welcoming Tinubu in Turkey

Nurudeen Akewushola
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AI-Generated images falsely show Osimhen, VeryDarkMan welcoming Tinubu in Turkey

A set of images circulating on social media claims to show Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and social media activist VeryDarkMan (Martins Vincent Otse) welcoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Turkey.

An X user, @RazakMakinde, posted the images on May 13, 2026, with the caption: “Nigeria keeps winning globally! A beautiful moment as Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife share a peaceful moment in Turkey while the world celebrates Victor Osimhen for making Nigeria proud once again.”

As of the time of this report, the post had generated over 70 reposts and more than 700 likes.

CLAIM

The images show Victor Osimhen and VeryDarkMan welcoming President Tinubu and the First Lady in Turkey.

screenshot of the viral post

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.

The claim appears to have emerged amid celebrations over Victor Osimhen’s recent success with Galatasaray, after the Nigerian striker inspired the Turkish club to win the 2025/2026 Turkish Super Lig title, further boosting his profile in Turkey and among Nigerian football fans.

An AI analysis of the images using Is it AI, an AI detection tool, shows strong indications that the visuals were artificially generated. The FactCheckHub ran the three images on the tool, and the result showed they are 99.9% AI-generated.

Result from AI detection tool

A look at the pictures shows that the image generator couldn’t generate the face of the president’s wife correctly.

One of the three pictures where the face of the President’s wife shows inconsistency

Further checks show the viral claim appears to combine separate real events involving the individuals mentioned to create a false narrative.

While VeryDarkMan was indeed in Istanbul, according to multiple videos seen online, such as here and here, there is no evidence placing Tinubu at the same location.

Contrary to the viral claim, Tinubu was not in Turkey on May 13 when the post was made. On that date, he was in Nairobi, Kenya, where he addressed the Africa Forward Summit and called for reforms to the global financial system.

Additionally, there is no authentic photo, video, or official report showing Tinubu, Osimhen, and VeryDarkMan together in Turkey at any point.

VERDICT

The claim that the images show Osimhen and VeryDarkMan welcoming Tinubu and the First Lady in Turkey is FALSE. The images were AI-generated and appear to combine unrelated events. While Osimhen and VeryDarkMan were linked to recent activities in Turkey, Tinubu was in Kenya, not Turkey, when the claim circulated.

2024 video of Tinubu speaking about child nutrition in France resurfaces online

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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2024 video of Tinubu speaking about child nutrition in France resurfaces online

A VIDEO of President Bola Tinubu speaking on child nutrition and school feeding programmes at a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron has resurfaced on social media.

The clip is being circulated as a recent development following his visit to Kigali, Rwanda on May 13, 2026.

The footage, shared widely on May 13, 2026, by a popular blog @GossipMillNigeria garnered over 950,000 views, 3,200 likes, and 1,800 comments as of 6pm GMT that day.

The caption reads: “Just in: If an African child is assured of a good sandwich and a classroom or one egg a day, there will be no fear of learning.”

The post drew mixed reactions and mockery from users, who criticised the statement in light of current economic challenges and malnutrition rates.

READ: Reno Omokri makes false claim about Nigeria’s debt reduction under Tinubu

CLAIM

Video shows Tinubu discussing child nutrition with President Macron in Paris in May 2026.

screenshot of the viral post on X

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub reveal the video to be MISLEADING.

A reverse image search and keyword investigation conducted by The FactCheckHub revealed that the video is not current. The footage is actually from a visit that took place on November 28, 2024.

The original video was uploaded by News Central TV to its YouTube channel on November 28, 2024, during its coverage of the president’s official visit to Paris at the Elysee Palace. In the full footage, Tinubu was seen addressing Macron and the audience while emphasising the importance of addressing child hunger in the 21st century.

Tinubu said, “No child should go to bed hungry in the 21st century. We need to collaborate further on that. The agriculture sector is a very good example. If you promote investment in dairy, if an African child is given a pint of milk in a classroom, there’ll be no problem going to the classroom one day. If an African child is assured of a good sandwich, and a classroom or one egg a day, there’ll be no fear of learning.”

READ ALSO: Viral image of Tinubu, Sowore handshake is AI-generated

AriseNews also published the footage on the same day, confirming the event happened over a year ago.

The timing of the video’s reappearance coincides with the President’s recent three-nation diplomatic tours.

PunchOnline reported that Tinubu’s itinerary began with high-level discussions in France before he proceeded to Nairobi, Kenya, for the just-concluded Africa-France Summit. Co-chaired by Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto, the summit addressed energy transition, digital transformation, and climate action.

Following his engagement in Kenya, Tinubu travelled to Kigali, Rwanda, for the Africa CEO Forum holding between May 14 and 15. Held in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, the forum convenes business leaders and policymakers to strategise on continental economic growth and investment.

VERDICT

The claim that the footage of President Tinubu discussing children’s nutrition is recent is MISLEADING. While the video is real, it is not recent. It was filmed on November 28, 2024, during the president’s previous state visit to France.

Video does not show Nigerian Army troops deployed to Borno in 2026

Nurudeen Akewushola
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0
Video does not show Nigerian Army troops deployed to Borno in 2026

AN X user, @Palermo_seun, posted a video showing a convoy of armoured vehicles, claiming the convoy consisted of 10,000 soldiers being deployed to Borno State to fight terrorists.

The footage, posted on May 13, 2026, shows multiple armoured vehicles moving in sequence, with soldiers visible on some of them.

The video had the caption: “The Nigerian Army has deployed over 10,000 of its most courageous and highly trained soldiers to Borno to combat terrorism and protect lives.”

As of May 14, 2026, the post had generated over 200 reposts and more than 1,000 likes.

CLAIM

Video shows Nigerian Army troops recently deployed to Borno State.

screenshot of the viral post

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING.

The claim surfaced amid ongoing counterinsurgency operations by the Nigerian military across parts of the country.

The Defence Headquarters said it carried out coordinated air interdiction operations between May 9 and May 10 across the villages of Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru in Shiroro LGA of Niger state. A similar operation was also launched on the Tumfa market in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State on the same day.

The FactCheckHub subjected keyframes from the video shared by the social media user to a Google Reverse Image Search; the result showed that the footage has been online for months and is unrelated to any recent deployment.

Checks show that the viral clip is a compilation of two different videos joined together.

The first segment, which shows a long convoy of armoured tanks, has been online since October 29, 2025. It was posted by a Cameroon-based social media user, Julio Keng, with the French caption: “C’est toujours pour Douala”. This translates to: “It’s always for Douala.”

Douala is the largest city and economic capital of Cameroon, located along the Atlantic coast. This indicates that the first segment has no connection to Nigeria.

Visual analysis also shows clear differences between the two scenes. While the first segment features a heavily vegetated environment, the second appears to have less vegetation with sparse trees, suggesting different locations.

First segment of the video which was shot in a heavily vegetated area

A reverse image search on the second segment shows that it has been online since December 2025.

The footage was first shared by a Facebook account, Adeyemi Godown’Jb, on December 12, 2025, with the caption:

“Dear God Please Always Protect our Nigeria Army in war front.”

The second frame of the video, which was shot in an area with less vegetation

This confirms that the viral post is a compilation of older videos taken out of context.

Further checks on the Nigerian Army’s official social media platforms and credible media reports did not show any announcement supporting the claim of a recent deployment of 10,000 troops to Borno.

VERDICT

The claim that the video shows the recent deployment of 10,000 Nigerian Army troops to Borno is MISLEADING. The footage is a compilation of old videos, including one from Cameroon, and does not depict any current military deployment in Nigeria.

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