The Army denied the ‘ambush’ claim, detailing new progress against the insurgents

The Operation HADIN KAI Joint Task Force has rejected claims circulating online that insurgents recently ambushed and killed Nigerian soldiers, and described the reports as recycled propaganda by remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP.

In a statement released Tuesday and signed by the Media Information Officer at the task force headquarters, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the military said it had uncovered a coordinated disinformation effort involving the reuse of old images and reports aimed at misleading the public.

“The attention of Operation HADIN KAI Joint Task Force has been drawn to a new propaganda campaign by remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP, who are currently circulating old photos and recycled media reports in a desperate attempt to mislead the public into believing that they still have the capability to unleash mayhem against soldiers and law-abiding citizens,” the statement said.

The task force specifically referred to a resurfaced report dated July 9, 2020, which purportedly showed the impact of the ambush on Nigerian soldiers.

“One such recycled publication was a July 9, 2020 report, which falsely resurfaced with dead soldiers and claimed to be an ambush on Nigerian soldiers. Our fact-checking mechanism showed that the report was posted a decade ago,” he added.

According to the military, the material being circulated does not reflect operational realities on the ground. They stressed that recent claims of heavy army casualties were unfounded.

“There has never been a HADIN KAI Operation that lost 20 soldiers recently,” stressed the statement.

Rather than suffer setbacks, the task force says its improved operational strategy – combining air power with coordinated ground attacks – has significantly weakened the rebel position.

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“Increased capabilities and well-coordinated air and ground strikes against terrorists yielded desired results but were detrimental to the terrorists.”

Detailing recent operations, the military said soldiers had inflicted heavy losses on rebel groups over the past week, targeting their strongholds and supply chains in various locations.

“In the past week alone, troops have launched crushing attacks on terrorist enclaves and logistics networks in various fields.”

In Miyanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram, rebels who reportedly attempted to reorganize were met with overwhelming force, forcing them to retreat and abandon equipment.

“Troops discovered dangerous weapons and equipment, including anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns and assorted rifles left behind by fleeing insurgents,” he said.

The statement further revealed that security forces intercepted the main funding channel at Chabbal checkpoint.

“At Chabbal checkpoint, vigilant troops intercepted logistical supplies and a cash sum of thirty-seven million naira intended to finance terrorist operations. This interception has caused a major setback to their maintenance capabilities.”

In Komala, located in the Konduga Local Government Area, the army engaged suspected insurgents along the Gidan Kaji axis, and recorded further successes.

“Sixteen insurgents were neutralized. Twenty bicycles, weapons and a number of important logistical items essential for the survival of the terrorists were found and destroyed,” JTF reported.

Addressing information warfare tactics allegedly used by the rebels, the military said the group had turned to psychological operations in response to defeats on the battlefield.

“Unable to withstand overwhelming operational pressure and troop dominance on the battlefield, terrorists are now resorting to psychological warfare, recycling outdated images and misleading publications to falsely convey strength.”

The task force asked the public and media practitioners to be careful and verify information through official channels before disseminating it.

“The Joint Task Force urges members of the public and media organizations to verify information from credible official sources before sharing content that could aid terrorist propaganda,” he said.

“Citizens are encouraged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and support security agencies with timely and actionable information.”

Reiterating its mission, the military vowed to maintain pressure on rebel groups until peace is fully restored in the Northeast.

“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.”