Army Exposes Boko Haram and ISWAP Propaganda Campaign Using Old Photos
The Joint Task Force (North East), known as Operation Hadin Kai, has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a deceptive propaganda campaign orchestrated by terrorist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). According to a statement released on Tuesday, March 3, these insurgents are actively circulating old photographs and recycled media reports in a desperate attempt to mislead Nigerians and create panic.
False Claims and Misleading Reports
Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Lieutenant-Colonel Sani Uba, condemned this renewed effort, describing it as a tactic to falsely project strength and capability. He specifically highlighted a recycled publication from July 9, 2020, by YNaija, which falsely resurfaces with images of soldiers' bodies and claims to depict a recent ambush. "Our fact-check mechanism shows that the report was posted a decade ago," Uba stated, emphasizing that these materials do not reflect the current operational reality on the ground.
Uba firmly denied recent losses, asserting, "At no point recently has Operation HADIN KAI lost 20 soldiers." He attributed the terrorists' actions to their severe disarray following sustained and coordinated air and ground offensives by Nigerian troops. The improved capabilities and well-executed assaults have reportedly yielded significant results, putting the insurgents at a distinct disadvantage.
Recent Military Successes Undermine Terrorist Narratives
Contrary to the false narratives being propagated, the operational reality indicates that insurgent elements are in a state of chaos. Uba highlighted several recent achievements by Operation Hadin Kai to substantiate this claim:
- Within the past week, troops delivered decisive blows on terrorist enclaves and logistics networks across multiple fronts, including Miyanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram.
- Scores of terrorist fighters were neutralized during these engagements, with troops recovering dangerous weapons such as anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns, and assorted rifles abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
- In a significant breakthrough at Chabbal checkpoint, vigilant troops intercepted logistics supplies and a cash sum of thirty-seven million naira intended to finance terrorist operations, dealing a major setback to their sustainment capability.
- Similarly, at Komala in Konduga Local Government Area, troops pursued marauding terrorists along the Gidan Kaji axis, neutralizing sixteen insurgents and recovering twenty bicycles, weapons, and a cache of critical logistics items that were subsequently destroyed.
Psychological Warfare as a Last Resort
These cumulative successes underscore the sustained degradation of terrorist capabilities. Unable to withstand the overwhelming operational pressure and battlefield dominance of Nigerian troops, the terrorists have now resorted to psychological warfare. By recycling outdated images and misleading publications, they aim to project a false sense of strength and disrupt public confidence.
The Joint Task Force urges members of the public and media organizations to exercise caution and verify information from credible official sources before sharing content that may inadvertently aid terrorist propaganda. Citizens are encouraged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities, and support security agencies with timely and actionable information.
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 region of Nigeria.
