The Nigerian Army has denied a viral online report claiming that soldiers from Operation Enduring Peace in Jos sought permission from attackers before recovering the bodies of church members killed by suspected Fulani militias.
The report, which circulated on October 13, alleged that troops told a pastor during a church service that they could not retrieve the victims’ remains without clearance from the armed group. It further accused the soldiers of inaction, leaving grieving families helpless as the corpses of their loved ones remained unattended.
Reacting to the story, the Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, described the report as false, misleading, and an attempt to discredit the military’s ongoing peace efforts in Plateau State.
“The publication suggesting that soldiers begged killers for permission to recover church members’ bodies is baseless and unverified,” Major Zhakom said in a statement obtained by Mediaplusng.com. “It is part of a growing trend where individuals use sensitive issues to stir emotions and spread misinformation in the Joint Operations Area.”
He explained that the report lacked credible details such as the exact date, location, or the identity of the alleged pastor, which clearly shows it was meant to mislead the public and incite mistrust against the Army.
“The anonymity of the source and the sensational tone point to a coordinated effort to undermine public confidence in security agencies,” Zhakom added.
The Army spokesperson expressed disappointment that some religious leaders choose to promote misinformation instead of peace, warning that such actions could undermine ongoing reconciliation and peace-building efforts across Plateau and neighboring communities.
Major Zhakom reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians regardless of ethnic or religious background. “Our troops remain professional, impartial, and dedicated to ensuring peace and security across the Joint Operations Area. We will continue to work with credible community and religious leaders to strengthen stability,” he said.
The Joint Task Force also urged journalists, media outlets, and community stakeholders to verify information before publication to avoid spreading false reports that can fuel tension or disrupt peace.
Mediaplusng.com reports that Operation Enduring Peace continues to carry out routine patrols, community engagements, and coordinated security operations aimed at restoring lasting peace to Plateau State and its environs.
