The Nigerian military has refuted reports circulating online alleging that insurgents recently ambushed and killed dozens of soldiers in the North-East, describing the claims as recycled propaganda by terrorist elements.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, said remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province were spreading outdated images and reports in a bid to create panic and mislead the public.
The statement, signed by the Media Information Officer at the task force headquarters, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, clarified that one of the widely circulated reports dated July 9, 2020, was being falsely presented as a recent ambush on Nigerian troops.
“At no point recently has Operation HADIN KAI lost 20 soldiers,” the military said, stressing that the narrative does not reflect the current operational reality on the ground.
According to the task force, sustained air and ground offensives have significantly weakened insurgent networks across several flashpoints in the region.
Within the past week, troops reportedly carried out coordinated operations targeting terrorist enclaves and supply routes.
The military disclosed that insurgents attempting to regroup in Miyanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram were repelled, with troops recovering anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns and other assorted weapons abandoned by fleeing fighters.
At the Chabbal checkpoint, security operatives intercepted logistics supplies and seized N37 million allegedly meant to finance terrorist activities.
The military described the interception as a major disruption to insurgents’ operational capacity.
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Further operations in Komala, within Konduga Local Government Area, led to the neutralisation of 16 insurgents along the Gidan Kaji axis.
Troops also recovered and destroyed 20 bicycles and critical logistics items said to be essential to the group’s mobility and survival.
The task force accused the terrorists of resorting to psychological warfare due to mounting battlefield pressure.
“Unable to withstand the overwhelming operational dominance of troops, they have turned to recycling old materials to project a false sense of strength,” the statement noted.
The military urged citizens and media organisations to verify information through credible official channels before sharing content that could amplify terrorist propaganda.
It also encouraged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with actionable intelligence.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its resolve to sustain the offensive until terrorism is fully dismantled and lasting peace restored to the North-East.