The Theater Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Warrah Bello Idris, has formally debunked viral reports claiming the release of 70 terrorists in Katsina State, characterizing the information as “fake news” and potentially “AI-generated” misinformation.
Addressing a media delegation led by Naval Commander Godwin Egbunu of the Defense Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Idris clarified that no official channels neither his headquarters nor the Katsina State Government have issued any communication regarding such a release.
”I am not going to confirm or otherwise the release of 70 terrorists from Katsina State because there is no formal information or letter from my headquarters or from the state government informing me of this,” the Commander stated.
General Idris further cautioned the public against the dangers of digital rumours, noting that such narratives are often fabricated by individuals in “the comfort zone of their rooms” with the specific intent to incite “artificial panic” among the citizenry.
The media visit was organized to provide journalists with a firsthand look at the challenging terrain and the ongoing sacrifices of troops deployed to secure the region.
Naval Commander Godwin Egbunu emphasized that transparency is a core pillar of the Chief of Defence Staff’s (CDS) leadership philosophy.
”Security is everyone’s business,” Egbunu said. “The CDS has taken this information wall to the various theaters of operation to ensure that the country remains intact.”
The military leadership reiterated its commitment to accountability and urged the public to rely on verified official sources for information regarding national security operations.