Joint Task Force in the North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, has accused insurgent groups of resorting to propaganda by recycling old images and reports in a bid to mislead the public about the current security situation in the region.
Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, stated this in a a statement issued on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
Lt. Col. Uba said the remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are circulating outdated materials to create panic and suggest they still possess the capacity to launch major attacks.
According to him, one of the misleading reports being shared online is a July 9, 2020 publication by YNaija, which falsely claims that Nigerian soldiers were ambushed and killed.
“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 North East, where the terrorists are currently in disarray.
He further clarified that the circulating images do not reflect recent operations.
“The public is hereby informed that these materials are not recent and do not reflect the present operational situation on the ground. At no point recently has Operation HADIN KAI lost 20 soldiers. The improved capabilities and well-coordinated air and ground assaults on the terrorists are yielding the required results to the disadvantage of the terrorists.”
Providing an update on recent operations, the military disclosed that troops have recorded significant successes across several locations in the past week.
“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.”
Lt. Col. Uba added that weapons and equipment abandoned by fleeing insurgents were recovered, including anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns and assorted rifles.
He also revealed that troops intercepted major logistics and funding channels used by the terrorists.
“At Chabbal checkpoint, vigilant troops intercepted logistics supplies and a cash sum of thirty-seven million naira intended to finance terrorist operations. This interception has dealt a major setback to their sustainment capability.”
In another operation, soldiers pursued fleeing insurgents in Komala, within Konduga Local Government Area.
“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.”
The Joint Task Force noted that the growing pressure from sustained military operations has weakened insurgent groups, forcing them to rely on misinformation.
“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 military urged journalists and members of the public to verify security-related information before sharing it on social media.
“The Joint Task Force urges members of the public and media organizations to verify information from credible official sources before sharing content that may aid terrorist propaganda. Citizens are encouraged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and support security agencies with timely and actionable information.”
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the task force stressed that operations against insurgents will continue.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute, focused and committed to the total defeat of terrorism and the restoration of lasting peace and stability in the North East.”