By Nkechi Eze
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has raised serious concerns over the growing spread of fake news and misinformation, particularly narratives relating to ongoing military operations in Nigeria’s North-East.
Speaking during an interaction with Security Digest at the Theatre Headquarters in Maiduguri, Major General Abubakar acknowledged that while security challenges are not unique to Nigeria, the manner in which such situations are communicated and perceived plays a decisive role in shaping national security outcomes.
He stressed the critical responsibility of media practitioners and information managers to ensure accuracy and professionalism in their reporting, noting that the information space has become a key battleground in asymmetric warfare. According to him, misleading narratives whether deliberate or inadvertent can embolden terrorist elements and undermine ongoing military efforts.
The Theatre Commander expressed concern over the activities of some self-proclaimed citizen journalists, accusing them of disseminating unverified and often misleading reports that detract from the progress being made in counter-terrorism operations.
Reacting to a recent viral claim on social media alleging inadequate feeding of troops, Major General Abubakar dismissed the report as false and misleading. He maintained that personnel engaged in Operation Hadin Kai are adequately catered for and do not face challenges related to feeding.
He disclosed that the operation has institutionalised mechanisms to safeguard troop welfare, including the establishment of a dedicated Food Committee responsible for monitoring the quality and distribution of meals across various formations within the theatre.
Emphasising accountability, the Commander stated that field commanders are directly responsible for the welfare of their troops, particularly in critical areas such as feeding, warning that failure in this regard could attract serious consequences, including loss of command.
Major General Abubakar reiterated that claims of poor welfare conditions being circulated online do not reflect the realities within the theatre of operations. He urged the public to rely on credible sources of information and called for responsible journalism that supports national security objectives rather than undermines them.
(Security Digest)
