Troops Demobilize Combat Vehicles Stuck in Zamfara Forest, Viral Terrorist Video Clarified – DHQ

Troops Demobilize Combat Vehicles Stuck in Zamfara Forest, Viral Terrorist Video Clarified – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has addressed a viral video showing the destruction of two Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles by terrorists, clarifying that the vehicles were immobilized by troops after being stuck in the Zamfara forest.

Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, explained in a statement on Monday that the incident occurred on Aug. 29 during a patrol by troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in Kwashabawa Village, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The patrol aimed to dismantle a terrorist gathering in the area.

Buba stated that two MRAPs became bogged down due to the swampy terrain caused by rain while attempting to outflank the terrorists. Despite efforts to recover the vehicles, the challenging conditions allowed terrorists to mass up around the stuck MRAPs.

“To prevent the vehicles from falling into enemy hands, the troops were forced to demobilize them,” Buba said. He emphasized that the demobilization was a tactical decision to ensure the vehicles couldn’t be repurposed by the terrorists.

Buba also debunked a second viral video allegedly showing mass killings of abducted villagers in Sokoto State, clarifying that the footage did not originate from Nigeria but from a neighboring African country also battling terrorism.

He described the video as part of a misinformation campaign by the terrorists, aimed at undermining the military’s progress and spreading fear among the public.

“The claim that 150 people were abducted in Gobir, Sokoto State, is completely false. It was fabricated by terrorists to distract from their losses and mislead the public,” Buba added.

He urged the public to remain vigilant against terrorist propaganda and assured that the military is maintaining operational flexibility to achieve its strategic goal of winning the war against terrorism.

“These situations are not uncommon in conflict zones, but our troops are prepared to adapt and overcome,” Buba said.