By Joke Kujenya
THE DEFENCE Headquarters (DHQ) has provided clarification regarding the viral video showing two Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles destroyed by terrorists in Zamfara State.
According to the DHQ, the vehicles were deliberately immobilized and abandoned by troops after they became stuck during an operation in the Zamfara forest.
This explanation was given by Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, in a statement on Monday.
On August 29, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji were on a mission to dislodge a group of terrorists gathering in Kwashabawa Village, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
During the operation, two MRAPs encountered difficulties due to the swampy terrain caused by heavy rains.
The vehicles became bogged down as the troops attempted to outflank the terrorists.
Recognizing the situation, the terrorists gathered en-masse, aware of the troops’ challenge with the stuck vehicles.
Faced with the inability to recover the MRAPs, the troops dismounted and demobilized the vehicles to prevent them from falling into the hands of the terrorists.
The DHQ emphasized that the decision to demobilize the MRAPs was a tactical move to ensure they could not be used against the Nigerian forces in future engagements.
Maj-Gen. Buba pointed out that this situation highlights how changing weather conditions can impact ground operations.
DHQ Debunked Mass Killings of Villagers
In a related matter, the DHQ also addressed another viral video circulating from the terrorists’ camp, which falsely claimed a mass killing of villagers in Sokoto State.
Maj-Gen. Buba clarified that the video, which showed the mass burial of civilians, did not occur in Nigeria but in a neighboring African country that is also grappling with terrorism.
He accused the terrorists of attempting to deceive the public with misinformation to undermine the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian troops.
The DHQ firmly stated that reports of 150 people being abducted in Gobir, Sokoto State, were entirely fabricated.
This false narrative was spread by the terrorists to counteract the successes of the Nigerian military and to disguise their own weaknesses.
Moreover, the DHQ urged the public to remain cautious and not fall for the terrorists’ tactics of spreading fake news as part of their propaganda efforts.
Maj-Gen. Buba reiterated that such situations are not uncommon in warfare, where the environment can constantly shift and create unforeseen challenges.
However, he assured that Nigerian troops remain adaptable and focused on achieving their strategic objective of winning the war against terrorism.
