Nigerian Army Denies Using Old Photos In Kogi Kidnap Rescue Operation

 [i]Nigerian Army Denies Using Old Photos in Kogi Kidnap Rescue Operation — The Bureau News Nigeria News Today

The Nigerian Army has debunked viral social-media reports alleging that photographs used in its recent announcement on the rescue of two kidnap victims in Kogi State were taken months earlier.

In a statement posted on its official X (Twitter) handle and signed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, the service described the claims as “false and misleading.”

“The Brigade wishes to categorically state that this claim is entirely false and misleading. The images were taken during the actual operation,” the statement said.

Army Confirms Photos From November 2 Operation

According to Abdullahi, the photographs were captured on 2 November 2025 during the rescue mission executed by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma. The operation led to the safe recovery of two kidnapped victims and the retrieval of ransom funds at Achigili Forest in Kogi State.

The Army noted that verifiable geolocation data confirms the authenticity of the photographs and their connection to the actual rescue site.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the attached photographs contain verifiable geolocation data confirming that they were taken at the precise coordinates of the forest area where the operation took place,” Abdullahi explained.

Army Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency

The 12 Brigade spokesperson stressed that the Nigerian Army maintains the highest level of professionalism and accountability in all media engagements.

“Every photograph or footage released is thoroughly vetted and approved through established operational public-relations procedures before dissemination,” the statement added.

False Claims Meant to Undermine Troops’ Efforts

The Army described the viral social-media claims as a calculated attempt to discredit the successes of Nigerian troops working to maintain peace and security in Kogi and across Nigeria.

“The false narrative being circulated on social media is, therefore, a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to discredit the credible efforts and successes of our gallant troops,” Abdullahi stated.

The Army urged members of the public to disregard the false reports and continue to support security agencies with accurate and timely information that can aid ongoing operations.

Last week, the 12 Brigade announced the rescue of two kidnap victims and recovery of ₦3.8 million ransom in Kogi State, an operation widely praised for its precision and professionalism.