Military Refutes Reports of Prior Knowledge Of Benue Attack

The Force Commander Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, has refuted a recent report by an online newspaper, Sahara Reporters, alleging that the Nigerian military had prior intelligence of the June 13, 2025, attacks in Benue State but failed to act.

The Commander described the publication as false, misleading, and a dangerous form of cyberbullying, deliberately aimed at discrediting the military and undermining public confidence in its operations.

In a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer HQ JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu condemned the report, which it tagged as an example of irresponsible journalism, lacking both credible evidence and professional scrutiny.

He noted that the allegation based on a purported leaked memo from the Department of State Services (DSS) dated 13 May 2025 was unfounded, emphasizing that there is no record of such a memo being received at the OPWS Headquarters.

“There is no evidence to show that such a memo was ever received at this Headquarters. If Sahara Reporters or any other party has such a document, they should produce proof that it was formally dispatched and received at Headquarters OPWS,” the Commander stated.

He explained that threat alerts and intelligence reports are a routine part of counterinsurgency operations, and each is treated with urgency and strategic evaluation.

However, he noted that due to the asymmetric nature of the threat, particularly the ability of criminal elements to blend seamlessly with civilian populations, the timing and location of attacks remain difficult to predict.

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Major General Gara reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across its area of responsibility, which includes Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.

He urged members of the public to rely on verified information and to avoid circulating unsubstantiated reports that could incite fear or foster mistrust.

The OPWS also called on media organizations to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, particularly when reporting national security issues. “This kind of misleading publication does more harm than good. It demoralizes our troops, misinforms the public, and emboldens criminal elements,” he warned.

(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)