The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the two Mines Resistant Armored Personnel Carriers (MRAPs) shown in a recent video released by terrorists in Zamfara State were deliberately demobilized by troops after getting stuck in a swamp during an operation.
The move was to ensure that the terrorists could not make use of the vehicles.
The MRAPs became immobilized while troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Zurmi, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, were conducting a fighting patrol on August 29, 2024.
The patrol aimed to dislodge a gathering of terrorists at Kwashabawa Village. However, due to the swampy terrain caused by the rainy season, the MRAPs got bogged down.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, explained that as troops attempted to free the MRAPs, the terrorists massed up, taking advantage of the situation.
When efforts to recover the vehicles proved futile, the troops dismounted and demobilized the MRAPs to prevent them from being captured and used by the terrorists.
“These situations further illustrate the effect of weather in changing conditions for ground operations,” Buba noted.
The DHQ further debunked a viral video purportedly showing the mass killing of 150 persons recently kidnapped in Sokoto State.
Buba stressed that the incident depicted in the video did not occur in Nigeria but in a neighboring African country also dealing with terrorism.
The video, he stated, was part of a disinformation campaign by terrorists aimed at spreading fear and misleading the public.
“The Armed Forces unequivocally state that at no time were 150 persons abducted in Gobir, Sokoto State,” Buba affirmed, urging the public to remain vigilant against terrorist propaganda and fake news.