The Defence Headquarters has refuted a viral video circulating online that purportedly shows a recent attack on Nigerian troops in Marte, Borno State, labeling it as recycled propaganda designed to deceive the public and weaken the morale of the Armed Forces.
In a statement released on Friday, May 16, in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, stated that a forensic analysis of the video confirmed it first appeared in December 2020 and is unrelated to any recent incidents. He noted that the footage is being repurposed by individuals aligned with terrorist groups in a calculated attempt to spread disinformation and undermine the Nigerian military’s successes in counter-terrorism efforts.
Kangye acknowledged that an attempted terrorist attack on troops in Marte occurred on May 12 at around 3:00 am, but emphasized that the soldiers effectively repelled the assault, neutralizing several insurgents and forcing others to retreat with injuries.
He vehemently criticized the renewed spread of the outdated video, cautioning that such tactics are intended to create doubt among citizens and erode confidence in the Armed Forces. He added that efforts are underway to identify and prosecute those responsible for disseminating false narratives and engaging in psychological warfare against the Nigerian populace.
Kangye urged the public to dismiss the misleading video and rely solely on information from verified and official sources.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said, highlighting that military operations continue to achieve significant progress in dismantling terrorist networks across the nation.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli