DHQ Denies Claims of 150 Kidnapping Victims by Terrorists in Sokoto

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has provided crucial updates on two key issues: the fate of two Mines Resistant Armored Personnel Carriers (MRAPs) in Zamfara State and a disturbing viral video showing the mass execution of kidnapped civilians in Sokoto State.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that the MRAPs, which were featured in a video circulated by terrorists, were rendered inoperable by troops during a recent operation. The vehicles became stuck in a swampy area while troops were engaged in combat with terrorists near Kwashabawa Village on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Attempts to retrieve the MRAPs were unsuccessful, leading troops to demobilize them to prevent their capture and misuse by the terrorists.

In a separate development, the DHQ addressed a viral video that falsely claimed to show the mass killing of 150 individuals kidnapped in Sokoto State. Major General Buba denounced the video as a deliberate act of misinformation, noting that the incident did not occur in Nigeria but rather in a neighboring African country struggling with its own terrorism issues. The video, he explained, was a desperate attempt by terrorists to spread fear and confusion.

“The terrorists are using these viral videos to spread disinformation and propaganda, aiming to undermine public confidence and create panic,” Major General Buba stated. “Such attempts will not succeed, as our forces are committed to countering these deceitful tactics and achieving our strategic objectives.”

The DHQ reassured the public that the reported abduction of 150 people in Sokoto State is unfounded, labeling it as a fabricated claim designed to distract from the terrorists’ own vulnerabilities. The military highlighted the need for caution regarding misleading content propagated by insurgents.”