Misinformation Undermining Anti-Terror War, Group Warns

A group, the Nigerian Advocates for Peace and Stability, has expressed concern over what it described as the growing spread of misinformation and premature narratives surrounding two recent security incidents—the Boko Haram attacks on military formations in Yobe State and allegations of civilian casualties during military aerial interdiction operations in Shiroro local government area of Niger State.

It warned that inaccurate reporting during crises could undermine ongoing counter-terrorism efforts at a time when the Nigerian military is recording notable operational successes against terrorist and criminal elements.

The group said the warning was prompted by conflicting reports on the deadly attacks on military formations in Buniyadi and Buni Gari in Yobe State, where varying casualty figures and unverified allegations of suppression of operational information have continued to circulate in sections of the media.

It also referenced competing narratives regarding claims of civilian casualties linked to recent aerial operations targeting bandits in Kusasu, Katerma, Bokko and Kuduru communities in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, which the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has publicly disputed while indicating that verification efforts remain ongoing.

According to the group, the timing of such misinformation campaigns is troubling, particularly as the Armed Forces of Nigeria continue to record significant operational gains through sustained offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, kidnappers and other violent criminal groups across several theatres of operation.

In a statement issued yesterday, the group’s convener, Ismail Abu, cautioned that while public scrutiny and media engagement remain essential in a democratic society, the dissemination of unverified or sensational claims during active security operations can create confusion, heighten public anxiety, and inadvertently aid terrorist propaganda.

“It is important to note that this wave of misinformation is coming at a period when the Nigerian military is intensifying pressure on terrorist groups and recording measurable successes in degrading criminal networks. False or misleading narratives at such a critical time risk distracting from ongoing operations and emboldening enemies of the state,” Abu said.

“Misinformation during periods of active military operations can distort realities on the ground, weaken public confidence, embolden criminal groups, and compromise carefully coordinated responses by security agencies,” he added.