The Operation Hadin Kai, the Joint Task Force (North East), has dismissed claims circulating online that 20 soldiers were recently killed, describing the reports as recycled propaganda by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 3, the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said the terror groups were spreading outdated images and old news publications to create panic and mislead the public.
Uba specifically referenced a July 9, 2020 report by YNaija that has resurfaced online with claims of a fresh ambush on Nigerian troops.
“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 said.
He stressed that the materials being circulated do not reflect the present operational situation, adding that at no point recently has Operation Hadin Kai lost 20 soldiers.
According to him, sustained and coordinated air and ground offensives have significantly weakened insurgent elements.
“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,” Uba stated.
Highlighting recent operational gains, he said troops had carried out successful engagements in Miyanti, Gajigana and Gajiram, neutralising several fighters who attempted to regroup. Weapons recovered included anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns and assorted rifles abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
He also disclosed that at the Chabbal checkpoint, troops intercepted logistics supplies and N37 million allegedly meant to finance terrorist operations, dealing what he described as a major setback to the groups’ sustainment capacity.
Similarly, in Komala, Konduga Local Government Area, troops reportedly neutralised 16 insurgents and recovered 20 bicycles, weapons and other logistics items along the Gidan Kaji axis.
Uba said the recent successes underscore the continued degradation of terrorist capabilities in the region.
“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pressure and battlefield dominance of troops, the terrorists have now resorted to psychological warfare, recycling outdated images and misleading publications to project a false sense of strength,” he added.
The task force urged the public and media organisations to verify information from credible official sources before sharing content, and encouraged citizens to remain calm while supporting security agencies with actionable intelligence.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace and stability in the North East.