Zamfara: Troops Neutralize Tanks Stuck in Swamp to Prevent Terrorist Use — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles displayed by terrorists in a recent video from Zamfara State were intentionally neutralized by troops after becoming stuck in a swamp during a combat operation. This measure was taken to ensure that the vehicles could not be used by the terrorists.

The DHQ also refuted a viral video claiming to show the mass killing of 150 people allegedly kidnapped in Sokoto State due to their inability to pay ransom. According to the military, the video is a piece of disinformation and propaganda intended to incite fear among the public.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided details of the incidents yesterday. He emphasized that the terrorists’ use of viral videos to spread false information is a tactic aimed at demoralizing the population, but he assured that these efforts would not succeed.

“On August 29, 2024, at approximately 1700 hours, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji stationed at Forward Operating Base Zurmi in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State embarked on a mission to dislodge a terrorist group gathering at Kwashabawa Village,” Buba said.

“During the operation, while attempting to outflank the terrorists, two MRAPs became bogged down due to the swampy terrain, exacerbated by the rainy season. When efforts to extract the vehicles proved futile and the terrorists began to converge, troops dismounted and neutralized the MRAPs to prevent their capture.”

He further explained that this decision, though unfortunate, was necessary to deny the terrorists the opportunity to utilize the vehicles. Buba also highlighted the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions in ground operations.

In a related matter, the DHQ addressed the circulating video purportedly showing a mass killing in Nigeria. Buba clarified that the incident depicted in the video did not occur in Nigeria but in a neighboring African country grappling with terrorism. He accused the terrorists of trying to manipulate the situation to mislead the public.

“The Armed Forces categorically state that there was no incident involving the abduction of 150 people in Gobir, Sokoto State,” Buba concluded.