By Victor Akaa.
The Nigerian Army (NA), has dismissed circulating false claims of a violent confrontation between troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) and Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) personnel in Makurdi, Benue State.
A statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 OPEN, Captain Abdullahi Lawal Osabo, categorically refuted the claims, urging the public to disregard it.
According to the statement, a malicious audio clip alleged the killing of 23 civilians and a Mobile Police officer, as well as the release of a Fulani terrorist kingpin in Tulan community, in Kwande Local Government Area of the State.
He however said, a fact-finding mission by OPWS and the Benue State Police Command found no evidence to support these claims contrary to the allegations that there were killings in Kwande LGA on May 11, 2025.
Also, the Commander of OP Zenda base denied any confrontation, and the police confirmed no such incident was recorded.
“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,” the Nigerian Army stated.
In a separate incident, troops rescued a Fulani individual from mob lynching in Udei and handed him over to the police.
According to the statement, the two Fulani individuals mentioned in the audio remain in police custody, facing legal proceedings.
The Nigerian Army views misinformation campaigns as serious threats to national security and will prosecute those responsible.
The statement urged citizens to disregard the malicious audio and report suspicious content to relevant authorities.
“We will continue to support civil law enforcement processes and ensure that all individuals involved in ongoing investigations face justice appropriately,” the NA assured.
