By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Army has said troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) maintained firm operational control over Ngoshe and Gwoza areas of Borno State, ensuring peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebrations despite attempts by terrorists to spread panic.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to Anele, “troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have once again demonstrated firm operational control over Ngoshe and Gwoza areas of Borno State, effectively countering terrorist propaganda and ensuring a peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebration across the axis.”
She explained that insurgents resorted to misinformation in a bid to appear relevant.
“In a desperate bid to remain relevant, Boko Haram/ISWAP elements recently resorted to spreading false claims of plans to overrun Ngoshe and conduct Sallah prayers at the Central Mosque,” she said.
Anele added that the claims were intended “to create panic and project a false image of strength,” stressing that they “clearly reflect a struggling group increasingly reliant on misinformation rather than capability.”
She disclosed that troops acted swiftly on intelligence to forestall the threat.
“Acting on credible intelligence, troops swiftly reinforced the area following an attempted incursion on 4 March and intensified clearance operations,” she stated.
The Army spokesperson noted that the operation, supported by aerial surveillance and residents’ cooperation, “disrupted terrorist movements and led to the neutralisation of several insurgents, further weakening their already degraded operational capacity.”
She affirmed that normalcy prevailed throughout the festive period.
“Consequently, Ngoshe and the adjoining Gwoza axis remained calm, secured and firmly under the control of Nigerian Army troops throughout the Sallah period,” Anele said.
“Residents freely observed prayers and celebrated without any interference, further exposing the hollowness of terrorist claims.”
Highlighting troop morale and civil-military confidence, Anele revealed that “troops led by the Commander 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General NI Abdullahi, joined worshippers to observe Eid prayers at the Ngoshe Central Mosque.”
“This symbolic gesture not only reassured the populace but also underscored the continued failure of terrorist propaganda efforts,” she added.
She further conveyed the commendation of the Chief of Army Staff.
“The Chief of Army Staff has commended the resilience and cooperation of the local populace, whose support remains critical in sustaining the ongoing successes,” Anele stated.
She urged Nigerians to ignore terrorist narratives.
“Members of the public are urged to disregard and avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda, as such narratives are deliberate tools employed by weakened groups seeking to instill fear and undermine security efforts.”
Anele assured that military operations would continue across the theatre.
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI will continue to sustain aggressive operations across the theatre to consolidate gains, eliminate residual threats and ensure enduring peace and security in the North East,” she said.