The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed recent reports alleging that bandits in Zamfara State hijacked two armoured vehicles and that terrorists were responsible for mass killings and kidnappings in Sokoto State. These refutations follow the circulation of several videos over the weekend.
In the videos, one purported to show bandits celebrating the hijacking of two armoured vehicles from military troops, while another depicted terrorists conducting a mass burial of civilians. A third video claimed that over 150 residents were kidnapped in Sokoto State.
In a statement issued on Monday, Director of Defence Media Operations Maj Gen Edward Buba labeled these videos as false. He clarified that the armoured vehicles in Zamfara had become immobilized due to swampy terrain during a military operation near Kwashabawa Village. Troops had been attempting to outflank terrorists when the vehicles got bogged down. To prevent the vehicles from falling into terrorist hands, they were demobilized.
Buba explained, “On August 29, troops from OP HADARIN DAJI stationed at FOB Zurmi in Zurmi LGA, Zamfara State, were engaged in a fighting patrol to dislodge a terrorist gathering at Kwashabawa Village. During this operation, the two MRAPs became stuck due to the wet conditions caused by recent rains. The troops tried to recover them but ultimately decided to demobilize them to prevent their use by terrorists.”
Regarding the mass burial video, Buba stated that the incident depicted did not occur in Nigeria but in a neighboring African country experiencing similar terrorism issues.
He also addressed the rumored abduction of 150 individuals in Sokoto, asserting that it was a false claim intended by terrorists to discredit recent military successes. Buba emphasized, “The claim of 150 persons being abducted in Gobir, Sokoto State, is entirely unfounded. It is a deliberate attempt by terrorists to mislead the public and undermine the achievements of our troops.”
Buba urged the public to be cautious of terrorist propaganda, noting that such tactics are common in conflict situations.
