- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Army has denied the alleged attack and killing of 20 soldiers by the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ group in Borno State.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
Uba labelled the reports and photographs in circulation as old photographs and recycled media reports.
The JTF spokesperson described the fake reports, which was originally published in 2020, as desperate attempt by the insurgents to mislead the public into believing they retain the capability to unleash mayhem on troops and law-abiding citizens.
“One such recycled publication is a 9 July 2020 report by YNaija, which falsely resurfaces with bodies of soldiers and claims to be an ambush on Nigerian soldiers.
“Our fact-check mechanism shows that the report was posted a decade ago.
“These events are being mischievously recirculated to create panic and distort the current security realities in the Northeast, where the terrorists are currently in disarray.” He wrote.
The Operation HADIN KAI JTF affirmed that the materials are not recent and do not reflect the present operational situation on the ground, stressing that at no point recently has Operation HADIN KAI lost 20 soldiers.
Uba noted that the improved capabilities and well-coordinated air and ground assaults on the terrorists are yielding the required results to the disadvantage of the terrorists.
He highlighted the successful operations recorded by the troops over the past one week.
“Contrary to the false narratives being pushed by terrorists and their sympathizers, the operational reality indicates that insurgent elements are in severe disarray following sustained, coordinated air and ground offensives by Operation HADIN KAI.
“Within the past one week alone, troops have delivered decisive blows on terrorist enclaves and logistics networks across multiple fronts.
“At Miyanti, Gajigana and Gajiram, terrorists who attempted to regroup were overwhelmingly engaged, resulting in the neutralization of scores of fighters.
“Troops recovered dangerous weapons and equipment, including anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns and assorted rifles abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
“In another significant breakthrough at Chabbal checkpoint, vigilant troops intercepted logistics supplies and a cash sum of thirty-seven million naira intended to finance terrorist operations.” He said.
Uba maintained that the interception has dealt a major setback to the insurgents’ sustainment capability while highlighting for accomplishments of the troop.
“Similarly, at Komala in Konduga Local Government Area, troops pursued marauding terrorists along the Gidan Kaji axis, neutralizing sixteen insurgents.
“Twenty bicycles, weapons and a cache of critical logistics items essential to the terrorists’ survival were recovered and destroyed.
“These cumulative successes within a single week highlight the sustained degradation of terrorist capabilities.
“Unable to withstand the overwhelming operational pressure and battlefield dominance of troops, the terrorists have now resorted to psychological warfare, recycling outdated images and misleading publications to project a false sense of strength.” The Army spokesperson added.
The Joint Task Force urged members of the public and media organizations to verify information from credible official sources before sharing content that may aid terrorist propaganda.
It encouraged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and support security agencies with timely and actionable information.