The Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI has refuted claims circulated by terrorist groups suggesting they still possess the strength to ambush troops or attack civilians.
The military said the allegations are part of a propaganda effort by remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP who are attempting to mislead the public using outdated photographs and recycled media reports.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the task force noted that terrorists had been circulating old images in a bid to create fear.
According to the statement, “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… using 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 JTF identified one of such misleading materials as a July 9, 2020 publication that resurfaced online with claims of a recent ambush on soldiers. The task force dismissed the report, stating, “Our fact-check mechanism shows that the report was posted a decade ago. At no point recently has Operation HADIN KAI lost 20 soldiers.”
The statement stressed that current security conditions are significantly different from what the outdated images portray. It noted that ongoing air and ground operations have placed sustained pressure on insurgent groups.
“The improved capabilities and well-coordinated air and ground assaults on the terrorists are yielding the required results to the disadvantage of the terrorists,” the JTF said.
Highlighting recent operational successes, the military confirmed that troops had struck several terrorist hideouts and supply routes within the past week. Insurgents attempting to regroup at Miyanti, Gajigana and Gajiram were confronted by soldiers who recovered weapons and equipment abandoned by fleeing fighters.
The statement explained, “Troops recovered dangerous weapons and equipment, including anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns and assorted rifles.”
It added that vigilant troops at the Chabbal checkpoint intercepted logistics supplies and a cash sum of ₦37 million allegedly meant to support terrorist operations. According to the JTF, “This interception has dealt a major setback to their sustainment capability.”
At Komala in Konduga Local Government Area, troops engaged insurgents along the Gidan Kaji axis, recovering bicycles, weapons and other essential supplies.
The statement noted that the recovered materials formed part of what the terrorists relied on for mobility and survival.
Addressing the propaganda tactics of the terror groups, the military said the circulation of old images reflects their weakened state.
“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 JTF urged the public to verify online content before sharing. It advised, “Members of the public and media organisations are urged to verify information from credible official sources before sharing content that may aid terrorist propaganda.”
The statement concluded with a reassurance of the military’s commitment to restoring peace in the region, saying, “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.”
