The Nigerian Army has accused individuals sympathetic to the Indigenous People of Biafra of orchestrating what it described as a coordinated social media campaign aimed at discrediting ongoing military operations in the South-East region.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters of Operation Udo Ka and the 82 Division Nigerian Army, Olabisi Ayeni.
According to the Army, recent online posts disputing the authenticity of images showing improvised explosive devices allegedly recovered by troops were part of a deliberate attempt to undermine the credibility of military operations in the region.
The statement said the images were originally released as part of operational updates highlighting progress made by troops in dismantling criminal networks and neutralising threats posed by armed groups in the South-East.
However, the Army claimed that certain social media users began circulating messages questioning the authenticity of the recovered explosives, thereby attempting to cast doubt on the success of the security operations.
The military further alleged that the online narratives went beyond questioning the images, with some commentators shifting focus to the personal background of the spokesperson who presented the operational report.
According to Ayeni, such reactions suggest that the campaign was designed not only to challenge the information released by the Army but also to stir ethnic and regional sentiments among the public.
“The intention of these posts appears to be to distract attention from the operational achievements of our troops by introducing divisive narratives that have nothing to do with the facts of the operations,” the statement said.
The Army noted that the operations being carried out under Operation Udo Ka were part of ongoing efforts to restore stability in the South-East, where security forces have been confronting armed groups involved in attacks on communities, security personnel and government facilities.
Military authorities said troops operating in the region have in recent months intensified efforts to dismantle camps used by criminal elements and recover weapons and explosives believed to be intended for attacks.
According to the Army, these efforts have led to the recovery of various improvised explosive devices and other dangerous materials during raids conducted in several locations across the region.
The statement stressed that the dissemination of misleading information on social media could undermine public confidence in security institutions and complicate ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
Ayeni urged members of the public to exercise caution when consuming or sharing security-related content online, warning that unverified claims could contribute to misinformation and tension within communities.
He also called on citizens to support the work of security agencies by providing credible information and cooperating with authorities in the fight against insecurity.
The Army reiterated that it remains committed to maintaining peace and protecting lives and property across the South-East and other parts of the country.
While acknowledging that security challenges in the region remain complex, the military assured residents that operations would continue until criminal networks threatening public safety are dismantled.
Security analysts have frequently noted that information warfare and social media narratives are increasingly becoming part of modern conflicts, particularly in regions experiencing insurgency or separatist agitation.
In such environments, competing narratives from both state institutions and non-state actors often shape public perception of security operations.
For the Nigerian Army, the latest allegations highlight the growing role of digital platforms in influencing how military activities are viewed by the public.
The military said it would continue to provide updates on its operations while encouraging citizens to rely on verified information from official sources.
As security operations continue under Operation Udo Ka, authorities say cooperation between the military, local communities and other security agencies remains critical to restoring lasting stability in the South-East.
