The Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, has accused remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province of spreading propaganda by recycling old images and reports to mislead the public about the security situation in the region.
In a statement issued on March 3, 2026, the task force said the insurgents were circulating outdated photographs and reports to create panic and suggest they still possess the capacity to inflict heavy casualties on troops and civilians.
“One such recycled publication is a 9 July 2020 report by YNaija, which falsely resurfaces with bodies of soldiers and claims to be an ambush on Nigerian soldiers,” the statement said. “Our fact-check mechanism shows that the report was posted a decade ago. These events are being mischievously recirculated to create panic and distort the current security realities in the North East, where the terrorists are currently in disarray.”
The military clarified that the circulating materials do not reflect the present operational situation and dismissed claims that troops recently lost 20 soldiers.
“At no point recently has Operation Hadin Kai lost 20 soldiers,” the task force stated, adding that improved capabilities and coordinated air and ground offensives were yielding significant results against insurgents.
According to the military, troops have recorded major operational successes in the past week, striking terrorist enclaves and logistics networks across several locations. At Miyanti, Gajigana and Gajiram, insurgents attempting to regroup were engaged by troops, leading to the neutralisation of several fighters and the recovery of weapons, including anti-aircraft platforms, rocket bombs, machine guns and assorted rifles.
The statement also revealed that vigilant troops at the Chabbal checkpoint intercepted logistics supplies and seized N37 million allegedly meant to finance terrorist operations.
“This interception has dealt a major setback to their sustainment capability,” the task force said.
Similarly, troops pursuing fleeing insurgents along the Gidan Kaji axis in Komala, Konduga Local Government Area, reportedly neutralised 16 fighters and recovered 20 bicycles, weapons and other logistics items used by the terrorists.
“These cumulative successes within a single week highlight the sustained degradation of terrorist capabilities,” the statement noted. “Unable to withstand the overwhelming operational pressure and battlefield dominance of troops, the terrorists have now resorted to psychological warfare.”
The Joint Task Force urged the public and media organisations to verify information through credible sources before sharing content that could aid terrorist propaganda.
“Citizens are encouraged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and support security agencies with timely and actionable information,” the statement added.
