The army has refuted claims on social media alleging that images published regarding the rescue of two kidnapping victims and the recovery of N3.2 million ransom money in Kogi State were old photographs.
A statement signed by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lokoja, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, and posted on X on Tuesday, the army described the claim as false, insisting that the images used were taken during the operation.
“The brigade wishes to categorically state that this claim is entirely false and misleading,” the statement read.
The army maintained that the photographs were captured during the rescue mission carried out on November 2, 2025, by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Oguma, which led to the rescue of two kidnapped victims and the recovery of the ransom money at the Achigili Forest in Abaji Local Government Area of the state.
It added that verifiable technical evidence supports their claim, as captured in the photographs in question.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the attached photographs contain verifiable geolocation data confirming that they were taken at the precise coordinates of the forest area, where the operation took place,” Abdullahi said.
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The army said every media release goes through an established approval process.
“The Nigerian Army maintains the highest standard of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all its media engagements.
“Every photograph or footage released is thoroughly vetted and approved through established operational public relations procedures before dissemination,” it stated.
It described the viral claim as an attempt to undermine troops’ efforts in maintaining security in the state.
“The false narrative being circulated on social media is, therefore, a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to discredit the credible efforts and successes of our gallant troops,” Abdullahi noted.
The army urged the public to ignore the post and continue to support security agencies with accurate information.
