The Humanitarian Times

By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – The Theater Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General A.E. Abubakar, has raised an alarm over the escalating threat of “fake news” in the fight against insurgency, describing digital misinformation as the primary “oxygen” sustaining terrorist ideologies in the Northeast.
Speaking during a high-level engagement with stakeholders and media representatives in Maiduguri, the Commander warned that the proliferation of unverified content on social media is actively sabotaging military operations and undermining national security.

Misinformation as a Weapon
General Abubakar noted that in the current era of asymmetric warfare, the battle for public perception is as critical as the kinetic battle on the frontlines. He expressed deep concern over the trend of citizens using digital platforms to amplify insurgent narratives without professional verification.

“In an asymmetric war, if you must win, you must isolate the terrorist from the population,” the General stated. “Unfortunately, individuals who have never seen the four walls of a journalism school use social media to spread news without verification.”

“It is very important that we push out the correct narrative to our taxpayers,” Abubakar concluded. “We are always there to let you know the true situation of things. Sometimes you lose, most times you win, but we must let Nigerians know what is actually happening.”

The military chief argued that this lack of gatekeeping allows terrorists to project a sense of strength and chaos that does not reflect the reality of their declining tactical capabilities.

The “Demoralization” Tactic
Specifically addressing a recent viral video purportedly showing the poor feeding of troops within the theater, General Abubakar dismissed the footage as a “cheap” attempt to fracture the morale of the Nigerian Army.

He clarified that the military has institutionalized transparency in its logistics, with food committees composed of the soldiers themselves deciding daily menus. He reiterated that the Chief of Army Staff maintains a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding personnel welfare.

“Any commander found wanting in troop welfare loses their command immediately,” he warned, framing the viral video as a calculated hit piece designed to incite internal discord.

A Call for National Interest
The Commander urged media practitioners and social media users to prioritize the “national interest” and the “correct narrative” when reporting on the conflict. He emphasized that the military’s recent tactical challenges – including a shift by insurgents to blend into civilian communities —require a unified front between the armed forces and the public.

“It is very important that we push out the correct narrative to our taxpayers,” Abubakar concluded. “We are always there to let you know the true situation of things. Sometimes you lose, most times you win, but we must let Nigerians know what is actually happening.”

The military’s appeal comes at a time when Operation Hadin Kai is intensifying its “non-kinetic” operations, attempting to win hearts and minds through civil-military cooperation and infrastructure repair, even as it battles the viral spread of “alternative facts” online.