The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media claiming that terrorists overran a military base in Marte, Borno State, and killed several soldiers.
The military described the footage as an old clip from a different incident, recycled by criminal elements to spread fear and discredit the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
In a statement released Thursday, Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, said forensic analysis confirmed the video is not linked to the recent attack on troops in Marte.
“The attention of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has been drawn to a video currently circulating on social media, falsely presented as footage from the recent attack on troops in Marte, Borno State,” he said.
According to Kangye, the terrain and operational context in the video clearly show it originated from a different event that occurred and was first posted online on December 7, 2020.
“The video clip is being deliberately recycled and manipulated by criminal elements and sympathisers of terrorist groups to mislead the public and sow fear,” he added.
He clarified that while there was an actual attack on AFN troops in Marte on Monday, May 12, 2025, around 3 a.m., the soldiers successfully repelled the assault after a fierce battle, neutralising many of the terrorists and forcing the rest to flee with injuries.
Kangye condemned the misinformation campaign, describing it as a “malicious and failed attempt to demoralise our gallant troops and undermine public confidence in the Armed Forces.”
The statement read, “The AFN condemns in the strongest terms this reckless dissemination of fake content and warns that those behind such disinformation campaigns will be identified and held accountable in accordance with the law.
“The Nigerian military remains fully committed and unwavering in its efforts at defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation.
“Our troops in the North East and across all theatres of operations remain resolute and are making significant progress in dismantling terrorist networks.
“We urge the general public to disregard the fake video and rely only on official sources for verified information on military operations.”
“The support and cooperation of all Nigerians remain vital in the collective fight against terrorism and all forms of insecurity,” Kangye added.
A military source recently said that suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had launched a series of coordinated attacks that eventually forced the Nigerian Army to abandon its position in the local government area by 3am on Sunday, May 12, 2025.
“Many soldiers (unspecified numbers) were captured, and many have deserted. The ones that ran towards Dikwa are currently at the 24 Task Force Brigade. ISWAP has taken over Marte,” the source said.
“All gunshots were heard in Dikwa, and the Nigerian Air Force was seen hovering in the general area. Number of casualties: unspecified yet.”
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, recently condemned the latest wave of deadly attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP in parts of the state, expressing deep sympathy for the victims and their families.
The governor’s reaction followed a string of violent incidents across several communities, including Maiduguri-Damboa Road, Marte, Chibok, Gwoza, and Kala Balge.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum described the attacks as “deeply condemnable,” and vowed continued support for military and security forces combating the insurgents.
“The recent tragic loss of our education staff, gallant troops, and innocent civilians is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face,” Zulum said.