Nigerian Army – We Haven’t Encountered ISIS Terrorists In N’East

The Nigerian Army has urged the public not to panic about rumors that the troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole had an encounter with terrorists of the Islamic State in the North-East, during which 30 soldiers were allegedly killed.

The army said such reports were unfounded, noting that those people behind the news were “Boko Haram propaganda elements.”

The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, and spokesperson, Theatre Command, Borno State, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this on Tuesday, adding that the photos circulating in the media to support the ISIS killings of Nigerian soldiers were not real.

Nwachukwu said, “It is very pertinent to state that contrary to reports, there was no attack or ambush on any convoy of Nigerian troops by ISIS fighters or any other adversary within or outside the theatre of operation.

“The reports are mere propaganda and an attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to remain relevant and portray potency. The graphic images used to support the report have been closely studied and found to lack nexus to any recent operational engagements of Operation Lafiya Dole.

“Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole did not at any time have an encounter with ISIS terrorists, neither have they suffered from such fictitious attack as claimed. This points to the desperation of the Boko Haram terrorists group to create awe and hold the people captive psychologically.

“Members of the public are enjoined to discountenance these mischievous reports.”