Army denies clash with Operation Zenda, dismisses viral audio

The Nigerian Army has firmly denied recent social media reports suggesting a violent clash between its personnel and members of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) in Makurdi, Benue State.

The allegations, which spread through a viral audio clip, also falsely claimed that soldiers had illegally released a suspected Fulani terrorist involved in the killing of 23 civilians and a Mobile Police (MOPOL) officer in the Tulan community of Kwande Local Government Area.

In an official statement released on Sunday, Captain Abdullahi Lawal Osabo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), labeled the audio “highly misleading, malicious, and completely unfounded.”

“The viral audio is the work of mischief makers and ethnic agitators who aim to erode public trust in security agencies and incite division,” Osabo stated.

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A joint investigation by Operation Whirl Stroke and the Benue State Police Command confirmed that no such killings occurred in Kwande LGA on May 11, 2025.

According to police records, there were no reported incidents on that date, directly contradicting the claims made in the viral audio.

Additionally, the Commander of the Operation Zenda base refuted any suggestion of a confrontation with the military, describing the alleged raid or clash as “entirely fabricated.”

The Army clarified that the misrepresented event was actually a lawful intervention in Udei, where troops rescued a Fulani man from being lynched by a mob.

Both he and another individual were handed over to the police and remain in custody pending legal action.

“These individuals are undergoing due legal process. There was no unlawful release and no conflict with any security agency,” the Army emphasized.

Captain Osabo warned that the spread of false information poses a significant threat to national security and vowed that those behind the misleading audio would be tracked and prosecuted.

“The Nigerian Army considers such disinformation campaigns serious security threats. We will pursue and bring those responsible to justice,” he added.

The Army urged the public to disregard the audio clip and rely on credible, verified sources for updates on security matters.

Citizens were also encouraged to report any suspicious content intended to spread falsehoods or incite unrest.

Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the Army stated that it continues to collaborate closely with other security agencies and remains dedicated to the protection of all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity or background.

Operation Whirl Stroke, which oversees military operations in Nigeria’s North-Central region, reiterated its support for civil law enforcement and its dedication to justice and national unity.