- The Nigerian Army has warned Nigerians against fake news on social media about Metele attack by Boko Haram and has threatened to sue people circulating them
The army says it is shocked to see the fake videos and photos going about on social media
- It advised well-meaning Nigerians to seek genuine information on its own channels and avoid fake reports
The Nigerian Army has decried the posting of fake videos of the alleged attack on Nigerian army troops in Metele, Borno state on Sunday, November 18 and has threatened to sue creating the posts.
In a statement released late on Saturday, November 24, the army said it would also report social media platforms and other media channels making use of the said videos and photos to appropriate authorities.
READ ALSO: Buhari in shock over attack on army troops by Boko Haram militants in Metele
The statement read: "The NA has continued to observe with great dismay the myriads of photos and video clips being recklessly distributed on various social media platforms by different caliber of persons.
"It is indeed shocking to see how these well doctored propaganda materials from enemies of the State has succeeded in creating fear and unrest in the polity. These doctored materials are obviously serving the purposes intended by the terrorists to misinform the populace, spread panic, hatred, religious intolerance and above all to undermine national security.
"The NA wants to categorically state that the videos and images making rounds as the purported attack on Metele base are false and do not in any way portray the reality of the situation on the ground.
"Unfortunately, many do not know that indiscretional posts and comments from a citizen that is supposed to be solidly behind its military in these trying times could have a way of dampening the morale of the troops.
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"However, the NA’s resolve in protecting the territorial integrity and sanctity of the Nigerian State would not be undermined by detractors or tacit supporters of the enemies of our beloved country.
"Whilst appreciating the concerns of well-meaning Nigerians who genuinely care for the well-being of its military, the NA wants to draw the attention of its detractors to the fact that spreading of fake news is an offense and violates the provisions of Section 24(1)(a),(b) and (2)(a),(b),(c)(i),(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition & Prevention etc) Act, 2015.
4.In view of this, please note that the NA would henceforth report these infractions and file cases against individuals or groups who deliberately spread fake news that aims to undermine national security, in courts of competent jurisdictions.
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"Equally, the NA wishes to inform the public of its iReport channels on the NA website, Android and iOS platforms via which the public can forward meaningful advice, criticism or observations that would enable the NA better serve the good people of Nigeria."
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian Army made another denial when it finally broke its silence on the deadly attack on soldiers on the 157 task force battalion stationed in Metele, Borno state by the Boko Haram terrorists which left scores of the soldiers dead and some still missing.
While some reports’ estimates put the casualty figure at over 100, the Army in its statement on Friday, November 23, failed to reveal the death toll.
The Army’s statement read: “The attention of the NA has been drawn to several social media, print, electronic and online publications about the recent attack on 157 Task Force Battalion at Metele. Whilst it is true that there was an attack on the location on 18 November 2018, it has, however, become necessary to correct several misinformation being circulated with regards to this unfortunate event.
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