Operation Hadin Kai Debunks False Claims by Boko Haram and ISWAP

The Joint Task Force (North East), known as Operation Hadin Kai, has exposed the circulation of outdated images and recycled news reports by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These misleading materials include a fabricated story alleging the recent death of 20 soldiers, which the military confirms is untrue.

Official Statement from the JTF Spokesperson

Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, issued a statement on March 3, emphasizing that these propaganda efforts are deliberate attempts to deceive the public and create a false impression of the insurgents’ strength. He clarified that the images and reports being shared are not current and do not represent the actual security situation in the region.

Refuting the Recycled Propaganda

One notable example highlighted by Lt.-Col. Uba is a report originally published on July 9, 2020, by YNaija, which falsely claimed an ambush resulting in soldier casualties. This report has been maliciously recirculated to instill fear and distort the truth about ongoing military operations. The JTF’s fact-checking confirms that no such incident has occurred recently, and Operation Hadin Kai has not lost 20 soldiers as alleged.

Current Military Successes Against Insurgents

Contrary to the insurgents’ narrative, the military has made significant progress in dismantling terrorist networks. Over the past week, troops have launched coordinated air and ground offensives targeting terrorist strongholds and supply lines. Key victories include:

• Engagements at Miyanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram, where numerous insurgents were neutralized during attempts to regroup.
• Seizure of weapons and equipment such as anti-aircraft guns, rocket-propelled grenades, machine guns, and rifles abandoned by fleeing militants.
• Interception of logistics and a cash sum of 37 million naira at Chabbal checkpoint, disrupting terrorist funding.
• Operations in Komala, Konduga Local Government Area, resulting in the elimination of 16 insurgents and the destruction of critical supplies including 20 bicycles and weapons.

Psychological Warfare and Public Advisory

Facing mounting military pressure, Boko Haram and ISWAP have resorted to psychological tactics by recycling old media to feign resilience. The JTF urges the public and media outlets to rely solely on verified information from official sources to avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda.

Citizens are encouraged to maintain composure, continue their daily activities, and assist security forces by providing timely and accurate intelligence. Operation Hadin Kai remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate terrorism and restore peace and stability across Nigeria’s North East region.

Looking Ahead

With ongoing improvements in military strategy and technology, including enhanced surveillance and rapid response capabilities, the Nigerian Armed Forces continue to gain ground against insurgent groups. Recent statistics indicate a steady decline in terrorist attacks and increased recovery of arms and resources, signaling a turning point in the fight against extremism.

Iran Accuses US and Israel of War Crimes Amid Ongoing Conflict

Allegations of Targeting Civilian Sites

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally accused the United States and Israel of committing war crimes, asserting that civilian infrastructure has been intentionally attacked. According to Iranian officials, these assaults have targeted essential facilities such as schools, hospitals, and media outlets, aiming to disrupt everyday life and inflict widespread suffering on the civilian population.

Tragic Impact on Civilians

One of the most devastating claims involves the death of over 160 students at a girls’ school in Minab, a city in southern Iran, on the very first day of the conflict. Additionally, reports indicate that Tehran’s Gandhi Hospital was struck during the hostilities, raising serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian law.

Official Statements and Responses

Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, condemned the attacks, highlighting the contradiction between the aggressors’ boasts of possessing cutting-edge military technology and the apparent indiscriminate targeting of non-military sites. Baqaei emphasized that such actions constitute clear breaches of war conventions and amount to crimes against humanity.

In response to the allegations, US Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins acknowledged awareness of reports regarding civilian casualties linked to ongoing military operations. Hawkins stated, “We take these reports seriously and are conducting thorough investigations to ascertain the facts.”

International Reactions and Verification Efforts

The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed that the organization is actively working to verify the reported attack on Gandhi Hospital in Tehran. This effort underscores the global concern over the protection of medical facilities during armed conflicts, a principle enshrined in international law.

Context and Broader Implications

The targeting of civilian infrastructure in conflict zones has long been condemned by international bodies. Recent data from the United Nations indicates that attacks on schools and hospitals have increased by 25% in conflict areas worldwide over the past two years, exacerbating humanitarian crises and impeding access to essential services.

Comparable incidents in other regions, such as the 2023 airstrike on a hospital in Gaza, have similarly drawn widespread condemnation and calls for accountability. These patterns highlight the urgent need for all parties in conflicts to adhere strictly to international humanitarian law to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.