By Nkechi Eze
The Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has dismissed what it described as a renewed propaganda campaign by remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), accusing the insurgent groups of circulating old photographs and recycled media reports in a desperate bid to mislead the public about the true security situation in the North East.
In an official signed statement, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the terrorists are attempting to create panic by resharing outdated reports and images falsely presented as recent incidents.
According to him, one of such recycled publications is a 9 July 2020 report by YNaija, which has resurfaced online with images of fallen soldiers and misleading claims of a recent ambush on Nigerian troops. He clarified that the report is not recent and does not reflect the current operational reality.
“Our fact-check mechanism shows clearly that the report being circulated is an old publication. 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 stated.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba stressed that at no time recently has Operation HADIN KAI lost 20 soldiers, as being falsely claimed in the recycled materials. He noted that improved operational capabilities, coupled with well-coordinated air and ground assaults, are currently yielding significant results against insurgent elements.
Contrary to the narratives being pushed by terrorists and their sympathizers, the Joint Task Force revealed that insurgent fighters are suffering severe setbacks following sustained offensives across multiple fronts.
Within the past week alone, troops reportedly delivered decisive blows on terrorist enclaves and logistics networks in several locations. At Miyanti, Gajigana and Gajiram, insurgents attempting to regroup were heavily engaged, leading to the neutralization of scores of fighters. Troops also recovered anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns and assorted rifles abandoned by fleeing terrorists.
In another breakthrough at the Chabbal checkpoint, vigilant troops intercepted logistics supplies and a cash sum of N37 million allegedly meant to finance terrorist operations. The interception, according to the Task Force, significantly disrupted the insurgents’ sustainment capability.
Similarly, at Komala in Konduga Local Government Area, troops pursued marauding terrorists along the Gidan Kaji axis, neutralizing 16 insurgents. During the operation, 20 bicycles, weapons and critical logistics items essential to the terrorists’ survival were recovered and destroyed.
“These cumulative successes within a single week highlight the sustained degradation of terrorist capabilities,” the statement noted. “Unable to withstand the overwhelming operational pressure and battlefield dominance of troops, the terrorists have now resorted to psychological warfare.”
The Joint Task Force urged members of the public and media organizations to verify information from credible official sources before sharing content that could amplify terrorist propaganda. Citizens were encouraged to remain calm, continue lawful activities and provide timely and actionable information to security agencies.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to the total defeat of terrorism and the restoration of lasting peace and stability in the North East, assuring that ongoing operations will continue until insurgent elements are completely dismantled.
