The Defence Headquarters has dismissed a viral video circulating online, which falsely claims to show a recent attack on Nigerian troops in Marte, Borno State. The video, the military says, is nothing more than recycled propaganda designed to mislead the public and undermine the morale of the Armed Forces.
In a statement issued on Friday, May 16, in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, explained that a forensic analysis of the video confirmed it was first released in December 2020, and has no connection to any recent incidents. He emphasized that the footage is being repurposed by individuals sympathetic to terrorist groups in an effort to spread disinformation and distort the successes of the Nigerian military’s counter-terrorism efforts.
While acknowledging an attempted terrorist attack on troops stationed in Marte on May 12 at around 3:00 a.m., Kangye assured that the soldiers successfully repelled the assault, killing several insurgents and forcing others to flee with injuries.
Kangye strongly condemned the continued circulation of the outdated video, warning that such tactics are designed to create doubt among the public and erode trust in the Armed Forces. He also confirmed that efforts are underway to identify and prosecute those responsible for spreading false narratives and engaging in psychological warfare against the Nigerian people.
The Director urged citizens to ignore the misleading video and instead rely on official, verified sources for accurate information. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he concluded, adding that military operations continue to make significant strides in dismantling terrorist networks across the country.
