The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai has strongly refuted renewed claims circulating online that 20 soldiers were recently killed in the North-East, describing the reports as deliberate propaganda aimed at misleading the public and undermining ongoing counterterrorism operations.
In a detailed statement released on Tuesday, the task force’s Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said the false narrative originated from insurgent groups attempting to recycle outdated photographs and previously published reports.
According to him, both Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have intensified their online propaganda campaign after suffering significant battlefield setbacks.
Uba clarified that the images and stories currently being shared on various platforms are not recent and do not reflect the current operational realities in the theatre.
He categorically stated that Operation Hadin Kai has not, at any time in recent weeks, recorded the loss of 20 soldiers as claimed.
He emphasized that the report was fabricated to create panic and give the false impression that insurgents still possess the strength to inflict heavy casualties on security forces.
Describing the development as psychological warfare, the spokesman noted that the resurgence of such propaganda demonstrates the growing desperation among insurgent elements.
He explained that as coordinated air and ground offensives continue to degrade their fighting capacity, terrorists are shifting attention to information manipulation to project a false sense of dominance.
Recent operational achievements, he said, tell a different story.
Within the past week, troops carried out sustained assaults across multiple flashpoints, targeting terrorist hideouts and disrupting supply routes.
At Miyanti, Gajigana and Gajiram, insurgents who attempted to regroup were decisively engaged.
The confrontations resulted in the neutralization of several fighters, while others fled under intense pressure from advancing troops.
Weapons recovered during these operations included anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns and assorted rifles.
Military authorities believe the seizure of such equipment significantly weakens the insurgents’ ability to stage coordinated attacks.
Uba pointed out that these successes contradict the propaganda being circulated and instead highlight the operational momentum currently enjoyed by troops.
In another breakthrough, soldiers at Chabbal checkpoint intercepted a major logistics consignment, including a cash sum of N37 million allegedly intended to finance terrorist operations.
Security officials described the interception as a critical blow to the insurgents’ sustainment capability, noting that funding disruptions often lead to fragmentation within armed groups.
Further south in Komala, located in Konduga Local Government Area, troops tracked fleeing fighters along the Gidan Kaji axis. During the pursuit, 16 insurgents were neutralized.
Soldiers also recovered 20 bicycles frequently used for mobility across rugged terrain, along with weapons and other critical supplies. The items were subsequently destroyed to prevent reuse.
Military analysts within the theatre say the cumulative impact of these operations has left insurgent networks disorganized and increasingly vulnerable.
Uba reiterated that the steady dismantling of logistics chains and combat units explains why terrorist groups have resorted to digital propaganda to mask their declining influence.
He urged journalists and social media users to exercise caution when sharing unverified security-related content, stressing that misinformation can inadvertently aid insurgent objectives.
According to him, responsible reporting and reliance on credible official sources are essential in preventing the amplification of extremist narratives.
The task force also appealed to residents of the North-East to remain calm and continue with lawful activities.
Citizens were encouraged to support ongoing operations by volunteering timely and actionable intelligence.
Community cooperation, the military said, remains a decisive factor in sustaining recent gains.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to restoring long-term stability across the region.
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