Abuja: The Nigerian Advocates for Peace and Stability says misinformation is undermining ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in the wake of recent security incidents in Yobe and Niger. The Convener of the group, Mr. Ismail Abu, made this statement available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abu expressed concern following conflicting reports surrounding the Boko Haram attacks on military formations in Buni Yadi and Buni Gari in Yobe, as well as allegations of civilian casualties during aerial interdiction operations in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger. He noted that varying casualty figures and unverified claims, including allegations of suppression of operational information, continue to circulate in sections of the media, creating confusion and public anxiety.
He also referenced competing narratives regarding claims of civilian casualties linked to military airstrikes targeting armed bandits in Kusasu, Katerma, Bokko, and Kuduru communities in Niger. According to him, the Defence Headquarters has disputed the claims while indicating that verification efforts remain ongoing.
Abu described the timing of such narratives as troubling, especially as the Nation’s Armed Forces intensify sustained offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, kidnappers, and other violent criminal groups across several theatres of operation. He emphasized that misinformation is coming at a period when the Nigerian military is intensifying pressure on terrorist groups and recording measurable successes in degrading criminal networks.
He cautioned that false or misleading narratives at this critical time risk distracting from ongoing operations and emboldening enemies of the state. Misinformation during active military operations could distort realities on the ground, weaken public confidence, embolden criminal groups, and compromise carefully coordinated responses by security agencies.
Abu warned that terrorist and insurgent groups often exploit information gaps and emotional narratives to manipulate public perception and undermine troop morale. He further cautioned that inaccurate or premature reporting of casualty figures, operational outcomes, troop movements, or intelligence activities could jeopardize sensitive operations and put both civilians and security personnel at risk.
He noted that military operations are dynamic, intelligence-driven, and often evolve rapidly. The rush to publish unverified claims can interfere with ongoing efforts aimed at protecting lives and communities. While supporting press freedom, transparency, and accountability, Abu emphasized the need for responsible crisis reporting anchored on verification, context, and professional ethics.
He urged journalists, civil society organizations, digital content creators, and the general public to verify sensitive security-related information through credible channels and avoid amplifying claims capable of escalating fear or inadvertently aiding the objectives of violent extremist groups. He concluded by stating that the fight against terrorism is not only fought on the battlefield but also in the information space, and responsible communication remains a collective national responsibility.