The Operation HADIN KAI has rejected claims by remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) suggesting they retain the capacity to launch large-scale attacks on troops and civilians.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the JTF addressed the circulation of outdated images and recycled media reports by insurgents attempting to mislead the public.
“The attention of the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI has been drawn to a renewed propaganda campaign by remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP, who are currently circulating old photographs and recycled media reports in a desperate attempt to mislead the public into believing they retain the capability to unleash mayhem on troops and law-abiding citizens,” the statement said.
“One such recycled publication is a 9 July 2020 report, which falsely resurfaces with bodies of soldiers and claims to be an ambush on Nigerian soldiers. Our fact-check mechanism shows that the report was posted a decade ago,” it added.
The JTF stressed that the materials being circulated do not reflect the current security situation, emphasising: “At no point recently has Operation HADIN KAI lost 20 soldiers.
“The improved capabilities and well-coordinated air and ground assaults on the terrorists are yielding the required results to the disadvantage of the terrorists.”
Troops Record Operational Gains
Highlighting recent operations, the statement noted that troops had inflicted significant losses on terrorist enclaves and logistics networks within the past week.
At Miyanti, Gajigana and Gajiram, insurgents attempting to regroup were engaged decisively. According to the JTF, troops recovered anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns and assorted rifles abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
“At Chabbal checkpoint, vigilant troops intercepted logistics supplies and a cash sum of thirty-seven million naira intended to finance terrorist operations. This interception has dealt a major setback to their sustainment capability,” the statement said.
In Komala, within Konduga Local Government Area, troops engaged insurgents along the Gidan Kaji axis.
“Sixteen insurgents were neutralised. Twenty bicycles, weapons and a cache of critical logistics items essential to the terrorists’ survival were recovered and destroyed,” the JTF reported.
Public Urged to Verify Information
On the renewed propaganda efforts, the statement explained: “Unable to withstand the overwhelming operational pressure and battlefield dominance of troops, the terrorists have now resorted to psychological warfare, recycling outdated images and misleading publications to project a false sense of strength.”
The JTF urged citizens and media organisations to verify information through credible official sources before sharing content that could inadvertently support terrorist propaganda.
“Citizens are encouraged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and support security agencies with timely and actionable information.”
Concluding, the task force reaffirmed its resolve: “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.”