The Nigerian Army assures Nigerians, especially those in Maidguri Borno State, that there is no intending attack on the city by terrorists, as being reported in the media. The Army said the city remains peaceful and calm, contrarily to the fake news being reported by criminals and enemies of the state.
The Nigerian Army gave this assurance in a statement released on Thursday 19th September 2019, by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations Colonel ADO ISA , where he said:
“Information circulating on social media revealed that some mischievous elements are insinuating and peddling rumours of ‘terrorists’ plan to execute deadly attacks on some selected populated areas and key facilities in Maiduguri town and neighbouring areas in order to cause panic and inflict casualty on innocent Nigerians,” he said.
Colonel ADO ISA assuring Nigerians of the readiness of the Nigerian Army to tackle any threats added that:
“The Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole of the Nigerian Army assures the public that necessary measures have been put in place to checkmate the purported evil plans of the criminals. Accordingly, troops in the Theatre, have been committed to ensuring movements and activities of the marauders are effectively thwarted. Troops are also in staging positions in line with the Super Camp Concept to destroy the bandits whenever they are seen. Consequently, members of the public are urged to disregard the rumour of ‘deadly attacks’ on Maiduguri and environs” he said.
On the rumour and spread of fake news, Colonel ADO ISA berated those behind the criminal act to create panic, while also asking the general public to disregard the fake news on alleged planned attacks. He said:
“The fake news is circulated by mischievous elements and other collaborators of the criminals with the aim to instil fear and panic in the minds of the people as well as to sabotage the efforts of the military and other security agencies in the struggle to end the menace. Members of the public are therefore enjoined to disregard the alleged attacks on Maiduguri city and environs and go about their routine lawful businesses without fear or hindrance. The public are also advised to be more vigilant and report unusual/suspicious presence or movements of persons especially at important public places like markets, schools, mosques and churches as well as venues for occasions to security agencies” he added.