The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting a recent deadly ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, describing a viral video purporting to show the attack as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the DHQ said the video currently circulating on social media was not connected to any recent incident, but rather an old clip from 2020.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a viral video showing troops being ambushed by terrorists, allegedly in Marte, Borno State,”;; the statement read.
“We wish to categorically state that the video is not linked to any recent operation and is clearly aimed at spreading misinformation.”;;
According to Buba, the video in question was first published in March 2020 by a foreign news outlet after an ambush on troops at the time.
He said it was being recycled and falsely presented as a new attack by individuals seeking to promote terrorist propaganda and undermine the morale of troops.
“The video is being recycled by individuals sympathetic to terrorists’ objectives to discredit the armed forces and spread fear,”;; he said.
“We strongly advise the public and media to verify sources before spreading such content.”;;
The Defence Headquarters emphasized that while an attempted attack by terrorists in Marte did occur recently, it was swiftly repelled by troops of Operation Hadin Kai. Buba noted that no such ambush, as depicted in the old video, took place.
“Our troops in the North East remain vigilant and committed to defeating terrorism,”;; he said.
“We urge Nigerians to remain calm and support the military’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and security.”;;
The DHQ also warned purveyors of false information to desist, stating that security agencies are monitoring those involved in circulating fake content intended to mislead the public and cause panic.
