DHQ reacts to footage showing destruction of combat vehicles by terrorist in Zamfara

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified recent incidents involving Mines Resistant Armored Personnel Carriers (MRAPs) and a viral video allegedly showing the mass killing of kidnapped persons in Sokoto State.

In a statement by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the DHQ addressed a video circulating in Zamfara State, where terrorists displayed two MRAPs. Buba explained that these armored vehicles were not captured by the terrorists but were demobilized by troops after getting stuck in a swamp during a fighting operation. The demobilization was a strategic move to prevent the terrorists from utilizing the equipment.

In addition, Major General Buba debunked a viral video purportedly showing the mass killing of 150 kidnapped individuals in Sokoto State due to the inability to pay ransom. He emphasized that the video is part of a disinformation campaign by terrorists aimed at spreading fear among the public.

Buba reassured citizens that the military remains committed to defeating these terror groups and is actively working to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

He said, “On 29 Aug 24, at about 1700hrs, troops of OP Hadarin Daji deployed at FOB Zurmi in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State, embarked on fighting patrol to dislodge terror gathering at Kwashabawa Village.

“Troops engaged the terrorist enroute the location. During the fight, while attempting to outflank the terrorist. 2 Quantity of troops MRAPs got bogged down due to the swampy terrain occassioned by the rainy season.

“While, troops tried to extricate the MRAPs, the terrorist massed up knowing the challenge troops had encountered with the MRAPs.

“Subsequently, troops dismounted and demobilzed the MRAPs, when efforts to backload them were futile.

“The sad demobilization of the MRAPs by troops was to prevent it from being useful to the terrorist after abandonment.

“These situations further illustrate the effect of weather in changing conditions for ground operations.

“In a related development, the attention of DHQ has been drawn to a trending video propagated from the terrorist camp.

“The video depicted the killing of several civilians in a mass grave. It must be noted that, the incident never took place in Nigeria.

“Rather, it sadly took place in a nearby African country faced with terrorism.

“The terrorists in an act of desperation, tried to manipulate the situation to mislead gullible members of the public.

“The armed forces unequivocally states that, at no time twere 150 persons abducted in Gobir (Sokoto State).

“The rumoured abduction was deliberately planted by the terrorist to undermine troops winning efforts and cover up terrorist weakness.

“On the whole, the public is urged to be circumspect of the antics of the terrorist to propagate misinformation, disinformation and fake news as part of their war propaganda effort.

“These situations are not uncommon in war. The dynamic and ever changing environment of war creates some of these experiences.

“Nevertheless, troops retain operational flexibility to make adjustments in achieving the strategic objective of winning the war.”