The Nigerian Army has dismissed as propaganda claims circulating on social media that recently released images of recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were manipulated, inviting media organisations and civil society groups to independently verify the operation sites in Imo State.
In a statement issued by the Headquarters of Operation UDO KA and the 82 Division, the Army said the images in question were authentic and linked to ongoing security operations in the South-East.
“The devices in the images released were recovered during the ongoing operations EASTERN SANITY conducted simultaneously in Imo and Anambra states,” the Army said, adding that the geo-location details were deliberately blurred “for operational security reasons and not for any ulterior motives.”
The Army noted that the images, which were originally published on March 12, 2026, had been falsely portrayed as fake by sympathisers of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who allegedly manipulated metadata to suggest the materials were recovered in Lagos and Oyo states.
“IPOB’s teams of fake news merchants… have manipulated the metadata of the images… imposing another geo-location reading Lagos and Oyo states,” the statement said, accusing the group of spreading misinformation and attempting to undermine ongoing military operations.
The Army further stated that troops had “completely dislodged many camps, hideouts and IED-making factories” belonging to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), particularly in the Orsu-Eketutu and Orsu-Ihiteukwa areas of Imo State.
“Having lost all assets and rendered ineffective… IPOB and ESN have resorted to sowing seeds of discord, poisoning the well and weaponising identity,” it added.
To counter the allegations and build public trust, the Army extended an open invitation to journalists and civil society representatives to embark on a guided tour of the affected operational areas.
“To disarm IPOB propaganda and build bridges, HQ OPUK invites media executives, correspondents, civil society groups and individuals… to come forward for verification,” the statement read.
It was assured that the inspection would be conducted in a manner that would not compromise operational security or personnel safety.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and neutrality, the Army stressed that it remained “an apolitical, professional and multi-ethnic institution,” urging Nigerians to verify information from credible sources before sharing.
“It is important to prioritise national unity over ethnic point-scoring,” the statement added.
The Army said interested parties could contact the 82nd Division Army Public Relations for arrangements to participate in the verification tour. #Securitynewsalert.com
