The Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI has dismissed claims circulating online that insurgents recently ambushed and killed Nigerian troops, describing the reports as recycled propaganda by remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP.
In a statement released Tuesday and signed by the Media Information Officer at the task force headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the military said it had uncovered a coordinated disinformation effort involving the reuse of old images and reports aimed at misleading the public.
“The attention of the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI has been drawn to a renewed propaganda campaign by remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP, who are currently circulating old photographs and recycled media reports in a desperate attempt to mislead the public into believing they retain the capability to unleash mayhem on troops and law-abiding citizens,” the statement said.
The task force specifically referenced a resurfaced report dated July 9, 2020, which purportedly showed the aftermath of an ambush on Nigerian soldiers.
“One such recycled publication is a 9 July 2020 report, 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,” it added.
According to the military, the materials being circulated do not reflect the current operational realities on the ground. It stressed that recent claims of heavy troop casualties are unfounded.
“At no point recently has Operation HADIN KAI lost 20 soldiers,” the statement emphasised.
Rather than suffering setbacks, the task force said its enhanced operational strategy — combining air power with coordinated ground offensives — has significantly weakened insurgent positions.
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“The improved capabilities and well-coordinated air and ground assaults on the terrorists are yielding the required results to the disadvantage of the terrorists.”
Detailing recent operations, the military said troops had inflicted substantial losses on insurgent groups over the past week, targeting their strongholds and supply chains across multiple locations.
“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, insurgents reportedly attempting to reorganise were met with overwhelming force, forcing them to retreat and abandon equipment.
“Troops recovered dangerous weapons and equipment, including anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns and assorted rifles abandoned by fleeing insurgents,” it said.
The statement further revealed that security forces intercepted a major funding channel at the Chabbal checkpoint.
“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 Komala, located in Konduga Local Government Area, soldiers engaged suspected insurgents along the Gidan Kaji axis, recording further success.
“Sixteen insurgents were neutralised. Twenty bicycles, weapons and a cache of critical logistics items essential to the terrorists’ survival were recovered and destroyed,” the JTF reported.
Addressing the information warfare tactics allegedly being employed by insurgents, the military said the groups had turned to psychological operations in response to battlefield losses.
“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 task force called on members of the public and media practitioners to exercise caution and verify information through official channels before dissemination.
“The Joint Task Force urges members of the public and media organisations to verify information from credible official sources before sharing content that may aid terrorist propaganda,” it said.
“Citizens are encouraged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and support security agencies with timely and actionable information.”
Reaffirming its mission, the military pledged to sustain pressure on insurgent groups until peace is fully restored in the North-East.
“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.”
