Nigerian Army Thwarts Terrorist Propaganda, Secures Peaceful Eid in Borno
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully maintained firm control over the Ngoshe and Gwoza areas of Borno State, effectively countering terrorist propaganda and ensuring a peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebration across the region. This decisive action comes in response to recent false claims circulated by terrorists linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), who attempted to create panic by alleging plans to overrun Ngoshe and hold Sallah prayers at the Central Mosque.
Security Response to Terrorist Misinformation
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, described these claims as a desperate attempt by a struggling group to project a false sense of strength through misinformation rather than operational capability. She emphasized that the Nigerian Army's proactive measures have exposed the hollowness of such terrorist narratives.
The situation escalated following a terrorist attack on the night of March 3 to 4, 2026, in Ngoshe, a rural community within Gwoza Local Government Area. During this incident, insurgents targeted a military base, set buildings and vehicles ablaze, and assaulted civilians after they had broken their Ramadan fast. According to local sources and United Nations reports, dozens of individuals lost their lives in the assault, while more than 100 women and children were abducted. Additionally, approximately 12,000 residents, equivalent to about 1,067 households, were displaced, fleeing to nearby Pulka town as internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Military Operations and Community Cooperation
Acting on credible intelligence, troops swiftly reinforced the area after the attempted incursion on March 4 and intensified clearance operations. Colonel Anele highlighted that this proactive response, supported by aerial surveillance and the cooperation of vigilant residents, disrupted terrorist movements and led to the neutralization of several insurgents. As a result, Ngoshe and the adjoining Gwoza axis remained calm, secured, and firmly under the control of Nigerian Army troops throughout the Sallah period.
Residents were able to freely observe prayers and celebrate Eid without any interference, further undermining terrorist propaganda. In a symbolic gesture of reassurance, troops led by the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier-General N.I. Abdullahi, joined worshippers to observe Eid prayers at the Ngoshe Central Mosque. This act underscored the continued failure of terrorist efforts to instill fear and disrupt community life.
Leadership Commendations and Future Commitments
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, commended the resilience and cooperation of the local population, noting that their support is critical to sustaining ongoing successes in the fight against insurgency. He urged the public to disregard and avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda, describing such narratives as deliberate tools used by weakened groups to instill fear and undermine security efforts.
Lieutenant-General Shaibu assured that troops of Operation Hadin Kai will sustain aggressive operations across the theatre to consolidate gains, eliminate residual threats, and ensure lasting peace and security in the North-East region. This commitment reflects the Nigerian Army's dedication to protecting citizens and countering extremist activities through robust military strategies and community engagement.
