Abuja, Nigeria — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has categorically denied recent claims that bandits in Zamfara State hijacked two armoured vehicles from the Nigerian military, and has also refuted reports of mass civilian casualties and abductions in Sokoto State.
The DHQ’s response follows the circulation of several videos over the weekend, one of which showed bandits allegedly celebrating the seizure of two armoured vehicles. Another video purportedly depicted terrorists conducting a mass burial for civilians, while a third claimed that over 150 residents were kidnapped in Sokoto State.
In a statement released on Monday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, dismissed the videos as fake, providing clarification on the events in question.
Clarification on Zamfara Incident
Addressing the situation in Zamfara, Major General Buba explained that the two armoured vehicles seen in the video were not captured by bandits but had become stuck due to the swampy terrain at Kwashabawa Village while troops were attempting to outflank a group of terrorists.
“On August 29, troops of OP HADARIN DAJI deployed at FOB Zurmi in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State, embarked on a fighting patrol to dislodge terrorists gathering at Kwashabawa Village. During the operation, two of our MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles) got bogged down due to the swampy terrain caused by recent rains. Despite efforts to recover the vehicles, the troops eventually had to demobilize them to prevent the terrorists from using them,” Buba explained.
He further noted that the demobilization of the vehicles was a strategic move to ensure they would not be of any use to the terrorists, highlighting the challenges posed by the difficult weather conditions during ground operations.
Rebuttal of Mass Burial and Abductions
Major General Buba also addressed the video claiming to show terrorists conducting a mass burial for civilians, stating that the incident did not occur in Nigeria.
“The video in question, showing the mass burial of civilians, is being misrepresented. This tragic event did not take place in Nigeria but occurred in a neighboring African country that is also grappling with terrorism,” Buba clarified.
He also debunked the rumors of mass abductions in Sokoto State, labeling them as propaganda intended to undermine the successes recorded by Nigerian troops.
“At no time were 150 persons abducted in Gobir, Sokoto State. This rumor was deliberately spread by terrorists in a bid to discredit the gains made by our troops and to mask their own vulnerabilities,” Buba said.
Warning Against Terrorist Propaganda
The DHQ urged the public to remain vigilant and not to fall for the deceptive tactics employed by terrorists, who are increasingly resorting to misinformation, disinformation, and fake news as part of their war propaganda.
“Terrorists are known to use such tactics in an attempt to sway public opinion and to create fear. However, the Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to the strategic objective of winning the war against terrorism,” Buba concluded.
The military’s statement is a firm reminder of the ongoing complexities of the conflict in the region, where propaganda is often used as a tool by insurgents to destabilize and mislead the public.
