Photo News
The Nigerian Army has strongly dismissed allegations made by Throwback Times, Instablog and other social media users posts claiming that it recycled old photographs to falsely portray recent military activity in Kogi State. The clarification comes amid heightened global attention following U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration that the United States may launch military intervention in Nigeria over persistent killings of Christians by Jihadist groups.
In an official statement titled “Clarification on Misleading Social Media Claims Regarding Recent Rescue Operation in Kogi State,” the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army described the viral post as false, malicious, and deliberately intended to mislead the public. The Army explained that the photographs in question were taken during a real rescue mission carried out on November 2, 2025, by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma, which successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered ransom money at Achigili Forest in Kogi State.
Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, said the images were authentic and verifiable, containing geolocation data that matches the exact coordinates of the Achigili Forest operation site. He stressed that every photo or video released by the Nigerian Army undergoes strict verification procedures before publication, ensuring full compliance with operational and ethical standards.
“The Nigerian Army maintains the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all its public relations engagements. Every photograph or footage released is thoroughly vetted and approved through established operational procedures before dissemination,” the statement read.
The Army warned that the publications was a calculated attempt to discredit the genuine efforts of Nigerian soldiers who risk their lives everyday to ensure peace and stability across the country. It described such false narratives as harmful propaganda aimed at weakening public confidence and emboldening criminal elements.
The statement further urged Nigerians to disregard the misleading claim and continue to support the military with credible information that can help combat insurgency, kidnapping, and other security challenges threatening the nation.
This firm response from the Nigerian Army follows widespread social media debate triggered by Trump’s recent remarks, which connotes possible U.S. intervention in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. The Army’s reaction serves as both a reassurance of transparency and a reminder of its ongoing commitment to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.
Source: Throwback Times
