The Defence Headquarters has dismissed a viral video circulating online that allegedly depicts a recent attack on Nigerian troops in Marte, Borno State, describing it as recycled propaganda intended to mislead the public and demoralise the Armed Forces.
In a statement issued on Friday, May 16, in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, said a forensic review of the video confirmed that it originally surfaced in December 2020 and has no connection to any recent events. He said the footage is now being reused by individuals sympathetic to terrorist elements in a deliberate effort to spread disinformation and distort the Nigerian military’s counter-terrorism achievements.
Kangye acknowledged that there was an attempted terrorist attack on troops stationed in Marte on May 12 at around 3:00 am, but affirmed that the soldiers successfully repelled the assault, killing several insurgents and forcing others to flee with injuries.
He strongly condemned the renewed circulation of the outdated video, warning that such tactics are aimed at sowing doubt among citizens and undermining trust in the Armed Forces. He added that efforts are ongoing to trace and prosecute those responsible for promoting false narratives and engaging in psychological warfare against the Nigerian people.
Kangye appealed to citizens to disregard the misleading video and instead rely 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, noting that military operations continue to make significant progress in dismantling terrorist networks nationwide
