By Adegbenga Kelvin
In today’s fast-paced digital age, information travels at lightning speed. Unfortunately, misinformation travels even faster, especially when old videos are recycled and presented as current events.
This practice is not only irresponsible but also dangerous, capable of inciting public outrage, misdirecting national conversations, and undermining trust in institutions.
A perfect example is the recent circulation of an old video of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, responding to a journalist’s question during a media briefing.
The interaction took place three months ago, yet it resurfaced online with a misleading caption: “Why We Did Not Arrest Bandits That Came For Peace Deal – IG Kayode Egbetokun.”
The video, stripped of context, quickly went viral, fuelled by confusion, heightened emotions, and deliberate attempts by some actors to stoke controversy.
What many people do not realise is that events have evolved since that statement was made; decisions, engagements, and security dynamics have shifted.
Recycling such a video as “breaking news” therefore creates more problems than solutions.
Voluntary Surrender Is Not a Crime, It Is a Global Peace-Building Strategy
The outrage generated by the video also stems from a misunderstanding of what voluntary surrender means. In reality, voluntary surrender by bandits, terrorists, or armed groups is NOT an unlawful act. It is, in fact, a globally recognised component of peace-building frameworks such as Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) programmes.
Countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and even parts of Europe have adopted structured surrender and amnesty initiatives to break cycles of violence.
The United Nations actively endorses DDR strategies because they have been proven to reduce hostilities, encourage defections from violent groups, and foster long-term stability.
So when the IGP addressed the issue months ago, he spoke within a globally accepted security framework, not out of weakness, not out of compromise, but out of pragmatic policing and conflict-resolution principles.
The Real Danger of Recycling Old Videos
Circulating outdated videos as if they are current creates several dangers:
- Distorted public perception: People react to old information as if it reflects the present reality.
- Unnecessary tension: It risks inflaming emotions, particularly around sensitive security issues.
- Undermined security operations: Misinformation can derail ongoing engagements or strategies.
- Distrust in institutions: Citizens begin to doubt the sincerity and competence of authorities based on misleading narratives.
- Manipulation by bad actors: Politically motivated individuals use such videos to advance personal agendas.
This is why caution is necessary.
A Call for Responsibility
As citizens, we all have a duty to verify content before sharing. A 30-second search can prevent a national misunderstanding. Media literacy is no longer optional, it is essential. Those circulating old videos should understand that misinformation can escalate conflict, distort security efforts, and mislead millions.
Nigeria is already grappling with complex security challenges. We cannot afford additional confusion created by careless or malicious recycling of outdated footage.
Conclusion
Time-stamping videos, double-checking sources, and maintaining digital responsibility should be second nature to all of us. The next time an old video resurfaces with a sensational caption, pause. Verify. Think of the consequences.
Because the truth is simple: recycled misinformation does more harm than good, and in the context of national security, it can be dangerously destabilising.
Kelvin Adegbenga writes from Ikeja, Lagos. Email: kelvinadegbenga@yahoo.com
