By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Advocates for Peace and Stability has expressed concern over what it described as the growing spread of misinformation and premature narratives surrounding two recent security incidents—the Boko Haram attacks on military formations in Yobe State and allegations of civilian casualties during military aerial interdiction operations in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State—warning that inaccurate reporting during crises could undermine ongoing counter-terrorism efforts at a time the Nigerian military is recording notable operational successes against terrorist and criminal elements.
The group said the warning became necessary following conflicting reports surrounding the deadly attacks on military formations in Buniyadi and Buni Gari in Yobe State, where varying casualty figures and unverified allegations of suppression of operational information have continued to circulate in sections of the media.
It also referenced competing narratives regarding claims of civilian casualties linked to recent aerial operations targeting armed bandits in Kusasu, Katerma, Bokko, and Kuduru communities in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, which the Defence Headquarters has publicly disputed while indicating that verification efforts remain ongoing.
According to the group, the timing of such misinformation campaigns is troubling, particularly as the Armed Forces of Nigeria continue to record significant operational gains through sustained offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, kidnappers, and other violent criminal groups across several theatres of operation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group’s Convener, Ismail Abu, cautioned that while public scrutiny and media engagement remain essential in a democratic society, the dissemination of unverified or sensational claims during active security operations can create confusion, heighten public anxiety, and inadvertently aid terrorist propaganda.
“It is important to note that this wave of misinformation is coming at a period when the Nigerian military is intensifying pressure on terrorist groups and recording measurable successes in degrading criminal networks. False or misleading narratives at such a critical time risk distracting from ongoing operations and emboldening enemies of the state,”Abu said.
“Misinformation during periods of active military operations can distort realities on the ground, weaken public confidence, embolden criminal groups, and compromise carefully coordinated responses by security agencies,” he added.
According to him, terrorist and insurgent organisations often exploit information vacuums, emotional reactions, and viral content to manipulate public perception and undermine troop morale.
He noted that inaccurate or premature reporting of casualty figures, operational outcomes, troop movements, or intelligence activities—particularly during active engagements—could compromise sensitive operations and place both civilians and security personnel at greater risk.
“Military operations are dynamic, intelligence-driven, and often evolve rapidly. During such moments, the rush to publish unverified claims or amplify speculation can interfere with ongoing operations and ultimately undermine efforts aimed at protecting lives and communities,”he said.
While reaffirming support for press freedom, transparency, and accountability, the group stressed the importance of responsible crisis reporting rooted in verification, context, and professional ethics.
The organisation urged journalists, civil society groups, digital content creators, and members of the public to verify sensitive security-related information through credible channels and avoid amplifying claims capable of escalating fear or unintentionally serving the objectives of violent extremist groups.
“The fight against terrorism is not only fought on the battlefield; it is also fought in the information space. At a time when troops continue to confront terrorists and bandits across multiple theatres, responsible communication remains a collective national responsibility,”the statement concluded.
