The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai has said that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are currently circulating old photographs and recycled media reports, including one alleging a recent k!lling of 20 soldiers.
Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, March 3.
Uba condemned the renewed propaganda campaign, which he said is a desperate attempt to mislead the public into believing the terror groups retain the capability to unleash mayhem on troops and law-abiding citizens.
The JTF spokesman noted that those materials are not recent and do not reflect the present operational situation on the ground.
He said, “One such recycled publication is a 9 July 2020 report by YNaija, 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.
“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 added, “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.
“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 by Operation HADIN KAI.”
He highlighted some of the recent achievements of the taskforce.
Uba said, “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.
“Troops recovered dangerous weapons and equipment, including anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns and assorted rifles abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
“In another significant breakthrough 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. 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 JTF spokesman said these cumulative successes underscore 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 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.
“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,” the statement further reads.
