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By Philip NWOSU
The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims circulating on social media that images showing recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during operations in the South-East were fake or manipulated, describing the allegations as misleading propaganda.
The clarification was issued by the Headquarters of Operation UDO KA (OPUK) and the 82 Division Nigerian Army following viral posts alleging that images released on March 12, 2026 alongside a media statement were fabricated.
According to the Army, the photographs showing recovered IEDs were taken during ongoing security operations under Operation EASTERN SANITY conducted simultaneously in Imo State and Anambra State.
Military authorities explained that the devices displayed in the images were recovered from locations around the Orsu–Eketutu Mother Valley and Orsu–Ihiteukwa areas of Imo State during operations targeting armed groups operating in the region.
The Army said the geolocation details on the images were intentionally blurred before publication for operational security reasons and not for any ulterior motive as alleged by critics online.
According to the statement, troops involved in the operations have successfully dismantled several camps, hideouts and IED-making factories allegedly belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the Mother Valley area, which spans parts of Imo and Anambra states.
The Army maintained that the sustained operations had significantly weakened the operational capacity of the groups, reducing their ability to carry out attacks and acts of violence in the region.
It further alleged that supporters of the separatist movement have resorted to spreading misinformation online in an attempt to discredit the military’s operations.
According to the statement, some social media users sympathetic to IPOB manipulated the metadata of the released images after the Army blurred the original geolocation data for security purposes.
The Army claimed that altered metadata was circulated online suggesting that the images were taken in Lagos State and Oyo State, an allegation the military described as false and intended to mislead the public.
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The military also accused some online commentators of focusing on the ethnic identity of a serving officer instead of addressing the substance of the security operation.
According to the Army, such narratives were part of broader attempts to promote division and undermine peace and stability in the South-East.
In order to counter the claims and promote transparency, the Headquarters of Operation UDO KA has invited media executives, journalists, civil society groups and concerned individuals to independently verify the recovered items and the locations where the operations were conducted.
The Army said interested representatives could contact the Public Relations office of the 82 Division to arrange an inspection tour of the operational areas and view the recovered IED-making materials.
Military authorities noted that the verification process would be conducted in a manner that does not compromise ongoing operations or endanger personnel.
The Nigerian Army reiterated that it remains an apolitical, professional and multi-ethnic institution committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
It emphasised that personnel are deployed across the country irrespective of ethnic or state background in service to the nation.
The Army therefore urged Nigerians and social media users to exercise restraint and verify information through official channels before sharing unverified claims online.
It also called on citizens to prioritise national unity and avoid narratives that could inflame ethnic tensions.
According to the statement, original images taken at the operational area, the blurred versions released on the Army’s official social media platforms, and the allegedly manipulated versions circulated online have been made available for public review and further analysis.
The military assured that it would continue to carry out operations aimed at restoring peace and security in the South-East while maintaining transparency and accountability in its engagements with the public and the media.
