The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has warned that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are circulating old photographs and recycled media reports, including claims of a recent killing of 20 soldiers.
Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the JTF, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, March 3, condemning the renewed propaganda campaign as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public about the terrorists’ capabilities.
One such recycled publication is a 9 July 2020 report by YNaija, falsely resurfacing with images of soldiers’ bodies, claiming it depicts a recent ambush. Our fact-check confirms that the report was posted years ago, Uba said.
These materials are being recirculated to create panic and distort the current security realities in the North East, where terrorists are currently in disarray.
He stressed that the reports do not reflect the present operational situation:
At no point recently has Operation HADIN KAI lost 20 soldiers. Improved capabilities and coordinated air and ground assaults are delivering results to the disadvantage of the terrorists. Contrary to the false narratives, insurgent elements are in severe disarray following sustained operations.
Highlighting recent achievements, Uba said:
Within the past week, troops have delivered decisive blows on terrorist enclaves and logistics networks. At Miyanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram, terrorists attempting to regroup were overwhelmingly engaged, resulting in the neutralization of scores of fighters. Dangerous weapons, including anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns, and rifles, were recovered from fleeing insurgents.
At Chabbal checkpoint, troops intercepted logistics supplies and 37 million naira intended to fund terrorist operations, dealing a major setback to their operations. Similarly, at Komala in Konduga LGA, troops pursued marauding terrorists along the Gidan Kaji axis, neutralizing sixteen insurgents and recovering 20 bicycles, weapons, and critical logistics items, which were destroyed.
Uba noted that these successes demonstrate the sustained degradation of terrorist capabilities:
Unable to withstand the operational pressure and battlefield dominance of our troops, the terrorists have resorted to psychological warfare, recycling outdated images and misleading publications to project a false sense of strength.
He urged the public and media to verify information from credible sources before sharing content that could aid terrorist propaganda:
Citizens should remain calm, continue lawful activities, and support security agencies with timely and actionable information. 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.
