No Confrontation with Operation Zenda JTF in Makurdi-Says Nigerian Army
Makurdi (Core Reporters) The Nigerian Army has debunked claims that her personnel were involved in a confrontation with operation Zenda JTF in Makurdi as an audio clip is being circulated on a social media.
This was contained in a statement issue on Sunday, June 8, by the acting assistant director, army public relations, 401 Special Forces Brigade/ Sector 1 OPWS, Captain Abdullahi Osabo
NA said the circulated audio clip on social media alleging that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) engaged in a violent confrontation with the personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) in Makurdi, Benue State, on June 4, 2025, is misleading and malicious . Adding that the audio also falsely claims the illegal release of a so-called Fulani terrorist kingpin by military personnel following the alleged killing of 23 civilians and a Mobile Police (MOPOL) officer in Tulan community, Kwande Local Government Area.
The statement reads in parts, “The Nigerian Army has noted with grave concern the circulation of a highly misleading and malicious audio clip on social media alleging that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) engaged in a violent confrontation with the personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) in Makurdi, Benue State, on 4 June 2025. The audio also falsely claims the illegal release of a so-called Fulani terrorist kingpin by military personnel following the alleged killing of 23 civilians and a Mobile Police (MOPOL) officer in Tulan community, Kwande Local Government Area.
“Following the claims, a fact-finding mission by the OPWS in consultation with the police authorities established that no killings occurred in Kwande LGA on May 11, 2025, as alleged. The Benue State Police Command also confirmed no such incident was recorded, debunking the false narrative. Additionally, the Commander of OP Zenda base denied any confrontation with military personnel, stating no raid occurred, contrary to the audio’s claims.
“In a completely unrelated and legitimate operation, troops had earlier intervened in Udei, where a Fulani individual was rescued from mob lynching and handed over to the police. The two Fulani individuals referenced in the audio remain in police custody and are being processed through proper legal channels.
“The viral audio is clearly the work of mischief makers, ethnic provocateurs, and enemies of peace, intent on undermining public trust in security agencies and sowing discord within communities. It is a fabricated narrative, devoid of fact, designed to falsely implicate military personnel and derail the coordinated security efforts of Operation Whirl Stroke and its partners.
“The Nigerian Army views such misinformation campaigns as serious threats to national security and will not hesitate to identify and prosecute those responsible for disseminating them. Citizens are therefore strongly advised to disregard the malicious audio and refrain from sharing content that has not been verified through official or credible sources,” the statement said.
Core Reporters report that the Nigerian Army said its remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting all citizens regardless of ethnicity or background, and maintaining professional collaboration with sister security agencies. “We will continue to support civil law enforcement processes and ensure that all individuals involved in ongoing investigations face justice appropriately. The public is urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious content or activities aimed at disrupting peace and security to relevant authorities,” The statement concluded.
