Zamfara 500 kidnapped news is false-DHQ

By Emmanuel Daudu

Defence Headquarters has debunked the rumours roaming the social media space of about 500 people kidnapped in Zamfara State says, it is all false.

According to the press release signed by Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations on 17th May, 2024, The Defence Headquarters has dismissed the false information circulating on social media platforms, claiming that 500 individuals have been abducted in Zamfara State.  “This information is baseless and lacks any factual evidence”.

The military urged the general public to disregard such fabricated news, as no such incident has occurred. They emphasized the importance of verifying information from credible sources before disseminating it further.

The military further reiterated its commitment to maintaining security and protecting the lives and property of citizens. They urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and accurate information to apprehend criminal elements in their respective communities.

It is essential to rely on authorized information sources like the military or relevant government agencies to avoid spreading false information that may cause panic and fear among the populace.

“Troops of Op Hadarin Daji which covers the NW of the country are actively fighting and conducting ongoing operations in and around Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State.  It must be noted that troops are fighting a vicious enemy in a complex combat environment in which several factors are at interplay both on and off the battlefield.

The virtual reality as well as the reality on the ground. The virtual reality  which is mostly on social media is more of fictitious figures and extreme exaggeration of the situation on the ground.

“For instance, it is fictitious and over exaggerated  to state that over 500 people were abducted by terrorist,while in reality troops can confirm that 4 persons were abducted. It must be recalled that same was experienced during the Kuriga abduction during which the figures brandished were much higher than those truly abducted. 

On the issue of rotation or overstayed troops in operational area. It is no news that, the current military leadership upon assumption of office addressed several of these issues. In fact, both issues were prioritised in line with enhancing  troops welfare and  administration. Accordingly, on the ground,troops continue to demonstrate stamina, resolve and strong desire to remain focused and stay the course until the enduring defeat of the terrorist and their cohorts.

The military admits that there is still a lot of work ahead to better secure citizens and protect them from acts of terror. Efforts are ongoing to better the cooperation with the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard. Efforts are ongoing to better secure the citizens in their farmlands with the set in of the rainy season. There is also a lot more ongoing, which is better left unsaid due to ongoing operations in the area.

Overall, we are in a good and strong position in this war against the terrorist with many terrorist leaders killed. We are making them pay a much heavier price than we have been forced to pay.