Nigerian Army Accuses IPOB Allies of Discrediting Operations

The Nigerian Army has accused individuals sympathetic to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of orchestrating a social media campaign aimed at discrediting military operations in Southeast Nigeria. This accusation was made in a statement issued by Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the 82 Division.

The Army responded to recent online posts questioning the authenticity of images showing improvised explosive devices recovered during military operations, asserting that these claims are part of a deliberate attempt to distract from the progress made against armed groups linked to IPOB and its military wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The Army emphasized that the images were blurred for security reasons and that the claims of their origin being from Lagos or Oyo State were false.

They invited media organizations and civil society groups to verify the operations in the Orsu and Eketutu areas. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and urged caution against sharing unverifiable information online.