DHQ refutes viral video on Marte attack, says it’s recycled propaganda
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) clarified on Thursday that a viral video circulating on social media that claimed to show terrorists overrunning a Nigerian military base in Marte, Borno State, was false.
It said that the footage is not related to any recent incident but was originally posted in December 2020.
A statement issued by Major General Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media, Operations, described the video as part of a disinformation campaign aimed at demoralizing troops and misleading the Nigerian public.
“The visual content, terrain, and operational context clearly indicate that the footage is from an occurrence at a different location and time,” Kangye said.
According to the spokesperson, following a thorough forensic analysis, military intelligence concluded that the clip was not from the alleged attack in Marte on May 12, 2025. Instead, the video originated from an entirely different engagement and was first published on 7 December 2020.
The Defence Headquarters accused terrorist sympathizers and criminal elements of deliberately recycling and manipulating the outdated footage to create public panic.
“This act of misinformation is malicious and a failed attempt to undermine the morale of our gallant troops,” Kangye said.
Providing clarity on the actual events in Marte, the DHQ confirmed that troops came under attack by terrorists in the early hours of Monday, May 12, 2025, at approximately 3:00 am.
However, the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) stood their ground and repelled the terrorists after a fierce gun battle. A significant number of insurgents were neutralized during the confrontation, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
It stressed that the real incident in Marte ended in a military victory, contrary to the misleading narrative being pushed on social media.
The Defence Headquarters explained that the propaganda clip is being deliberately circulated to distract from the gains being recorded by the military across various theatres of operations.
“The clip is a tool of psychological warfare being used by enemies of the state to sow fear and confusion,” Kangye explained.
He reiterated that the AFN remains resolute and committed to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria. The military warned that individuals behind such fake content would be identified and prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law.
The military urged Nigerians to ignore the fake video and only rely on official channels for verified updates on security operations.
“The support and cooperation of all Nigerians are critical in the ongoing war against terrorism,” Kangye stressed.
He added that public vigilance and fact-checking are necessary to prevent the spread of disinformation that could weaken national resolve.
In its strongest terms yet, the AFN condemned the viral clip and the intent behind its circulation. It emphasised that such acts of digital warfare aim to undermine national security, discourage military personnel, and cause unnecessary panic.
It therefore reiterated that its troops in the North East and across all regions continue to record significant progress in dismantling terrorist infrastructure.
“We are winning this war, and no amount of fake news can alter the truth on the ground,” Kangye affirmed.
