The Nigerian Military High Command has dismissed reports claiming that 150 individuals were abducted by terrorists in Gobir, Sokoto State.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the military clarified that the incident depicted in a trending video, which shows mass killings and burials, occurred in a nearby African country, not in Nigeria.
General Buba provided further details, noting that on August 29, 2024, at around 5 p.m., troops from OPERATION HADARIN DAJI, stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Zurmi, Zamfara State, launched a fighting patrol aimed at dislodging a terrorist gathering in Kwashabawa Village. During the operation, two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles became immobilized due to the swampy terrain exacerbated by the rainy season.
He explained that despite the troops’ efforts to recover the MRAPs, they were forced to demobilize and abandon the vehicles to prevent them from falling into the hands of the terrorists.
General Buba used the opportunity to urge Nigerians to remain cautious of the tactics employed by terrorists, particularly their use of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news as tools of war propaganda.
He emphasized the importance of verifying information before accepting it as true, especially in the face of efforts to sow fear and confusion.
The military’s clarification comes amid growing concerns about the spread of false information and its potential impact on public morale and national security.