By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Army has debunked claims of confrontation with between it’s personnel Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWSl) and that of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force in Makurdi, Benue State.
In a statement issued by Captain Abdullahi Lawal Osabo Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 401 Special Forces Brigade/ Sector 1 OPWS, said the audio making the rounds in the media is false and misleading.
The statement reads thus: “The Nigerian Army has noted with grave concern the circulation of a highly misleading and malicious audio clip on social media alleging that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) engaged in a violent confrontation with the personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) in Makurdi, Benue State, on 4 June 2025.
The audio also falsely claims the illegal release of a so-called Fulani terrorist kingpin by military personnel following the alleged killing of 23 civilians and a Mobile Police (MOPOL) officer in Turan community, Kwande Local Government Area.
Following the claims, a fact-finding mission by the OPWS in consultation with the police authorities established that no killings occurred in Kwande LGA on May 11, 2025, as alleged. The Benue State Police Command also confirmed no such incident was recorded, debunking the false narrative. Additionally, the Commander of OP Zenda base denied any confrontation with military personnel, stating no raid occurred, contrary to the audio’s claims.
In a completely unrelated and legitimate operation, troops had earlier intervened in Udei, where a Fulani individual was rescued from mob lynching and handed over to the police. The two Fulani individuals referenced in the audio remain in police custody and are being processed through proper legal channels.
The viral audio is clearly the work of mischief makers, ethnic provocateurs, and enemies of peace, intent on undermining public trust in security agencies and sowing discord within communities. It is a fabricated narrative, devoid of fact, designed to falsely implicate military personnel and derail the coordinated security efforts of Operation Whirl Stroke and its partners.
The Nigerian Army views such misinformation campaigns as serious threats to national security and will not hesitate to identify and prosecute those responsible for disseminating them. Citizens are therefore strongly advised to disregard the malicious audio and refrain from sharing content that has not been verified through official or credible sources.
The Nigerian Army remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting all citizens regardless of ethnicity or background, and maintaining professional collaboration with sister security agencies.
We will continue to support civil law enforcement processes and ensure that all individuals involved in ongoing investigations face justice appropriately. The public is urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious content or activities aimed at disrupting peace and security to relevant authorities.
