The Army denies the clash with the Zenda operation, fires the viral audio

The Nigerian army has firmly denied recent relationships on social media that suggest a violent clash between his staff and members of the Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) operation in Makurdi, Benue State.

The accusations, which spread through a viral audio clip, also falsely stated that the soldiers had illegally released a suspicious terrorist of Fulani involved in the killing of 23 civilians and a mobile police officer (Mopol) in the community of Tulan in the area of ​​the local government of the Kwande.

In an official declaration issued on Sunday, Captain Abdullahi Lawal Osabo, deputy director of the Army Public Relations for the 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 Operation Whirl Stroke (Otto), labeled by the highly misleading, harmful and completely unfounded audio “.

“The viral audio is the work of the producers of malice and ethnic agitators who aim to erode public trust in safety agencies and incited divisions,” said Osabo.

A joint investigation by the Whirl Stroke operation and Benue State Police Command confirmed that these murders occurred in the Kwande LGA on 11 May 2025.

According to the police registers, on that date no accidents were reported, directly contradicting the claims made in the viral audio.

In addition, the commander of the Zenda Basic operation refuted any suggestion of a clash with the military, describing the alleged raid or clash as “entirely manufactured”.

The army clarified that the misrepresented event was actually a legitimate intervention in Udei, where the troops saved a Fulani man from being lynched by a crowd.

Both he and another individual were delivered to the police and remain in custody pending legal actions.

“These people are undergoing the due legal process. There has been no illegal release and no conflict with any security agency,” said the army.

Captain Osabo warned that the dissemination of false information represents a significant threat to national security and promised that those who would be monitored and pursued behind the misleading audio.

“The Nigerian army considers these disinformation campaigns serious threats to security. We will pursue and bring those responsible to justice,” he added.

The army urged the public to ignore the audio clip and rely on credible sources and verified for updates on safety issues.

Citizens were also encouraged to report any suspicious content destined to spread falsehoods or encourage disorders.

Reaffirming his commitment for professionalism, the army has declared that he continues to collaborate in close contact with other security agencies and remains dedicated to the protection of all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity or background.

Operation Whirl Stroke, who supervises military operations in the central-northern region of Nigeria, reiterated his support for civil police and his dedication to justice and national unity.

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