By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has firmly dismissed as false and malicious the viral audio circulating on social media alleging a violent confrontation between troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) and personnel of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) in Makurdi, Benue State, on June 4, 2025. The audio, which also claimed that military personnel illegally released a so-called Fulani terrorist kingpin following the alleged killing of 23 civilians and a Mobile Police officer in Tulan community, Kwande Local Government Area, has been described as a fabrication intended to mislead the public and incite ethnic tension.
In an official signed statement, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 OPWS, Captain Abdullahi Lawal Osabo, clarified that the Nigerian Army immediately initiated a fact-finding mission in collaboration with the Benue State Police Command following the emergence of the audio. Their investigation conclusively established that no such killings occurred in Kwande LGA on May 11, 2025, as alleged in the audio. The police also confirmed that no report of such an incident was recorded, further invalidating the claims.
Additionally, the Commander of the Operation Zenda base refuted claims of any confrontation with military personnel, noting that no raid or clash occurred with OPWS troops as alleged in the audio recording.
Captain Osabo further explained that in a separate and entirely legitimate operation, troops had intervened in Udei where a Fulani man was rescued from a lynch mob and subsequently handed over to the police. He confirmed that the two Fulani individuals referenced in the viral recording remain in lawful police custody and are currently being processed in line with established legal procedures.
“The viral audio is clearly the handiwork of mischief makers, ethnic provocateurs, and enemies of peace who are bent on sowing discord and undermining public confidence in security agencies,” the statement emphasized. It warned that the recording is entirely devoid of factual basis and is designed to falsely implicate military personnel while disrupting coordinated security efforts in the region.
The Army described the circulation of such inflammatory content as a serious threat to national security, vowing to identify and prosecute those behind the misinformation campaign. Citizens were urged to disregard the misleading audio and to avoid sharing unverified claims, especially those capable of inciting communal unrest.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and lawful conduct, the Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to protect all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity, uphold the rule of law, and continue supporting civil law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or subversive content to the appropriate authorities.
