Defence Headquarters Debunks Fake Video of Marte Attack, Confirms Troops Repelled Terrorists
Military Labels Viral Footage a Recycled Propaganda Tool
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially debunked a viral video circulating on social media that falsely claimed to show terrorists overrunning a Nigerian military base in Marte, Borno State. The DHQ clarified on Thursday night that the footage is not related to any recent incident but was originally posted in December 2020.
In a statement issued by Major General Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations, the video was described as part of a disinformation campaign aimed at demoralizing troops and misleading the Nigerian public.
“The visual content, terrain, and operational context clearly indicate that the footage is from an occurrence at a different location and time,” Kangye emphasized.
Forensic Analysis Confirms Video Was First Published in 2020
Following a thorough forensic analysis, military intelligence concluded that the clip was not from the alleged attack in Marte on May 12, 2025. Instead, the video originated from an entirely different engagement and was first published on 7 December 2020.
The Defence Headquarters accused terrorist sympathizers and criminal elements of deliberately recycling and manipulating the outdated footage to create public panic.
“This act of misinformation is malicious and a failed attempt to undermine the morale of our gallant troops,” Kangye said.
Troops Successfully Repelled the Real Marte Attack
Providing clarity on the actual events in Marte, the DHQ confirmed that troops came under attack by terrorists in the early hours of Monday, May 12, 2025, at approximately 3:00 am.
However, the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) stood their ground and repelled the terrorists after a fierce gun battle. A significant number of insurgents were neutralized during the confrontation, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
The Defence Headquarters stressed that the real incident in Marte ended in a military victory, contrary to the misleading narrative being pushed on social media.
Recycled Content Used for Terrorist Propaganda
The Defence Headquarters explained that the propaganda clip is being deliberately circulated to distract from the gains being recorded by the military across various theatres of operations.
“The clip is a tool of psychological warfare being used by enemies of the state to sow fear and confusion,” Kangye explained.
He reiterated that the AFN remains resolute and committed to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria. The military warned that individuals behind such fake content would be identified and prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law.
Public Urged to Rely on Official Sources
The military has urged Nigerians to ignore the fake video and only rely on official channels for verified updates on security operations.
“The support and cooperation of all Nigerians are critical in the ongoing war against terrorism,” Kangye stressed.
He added that public vigilance and fact-checking are necessary to prevent the spread of disinformation that could weaken national resolve.
AFN Condemns Disinformation, Reaffirms Progress Against Terrorists
In its strongest terms yet, the AFN condemned the viral clip and the intent behind its circulation. The military emphasized that such acts of digital warfare aim to undermine national security, discourage military personnel, and cause unnecessary panic.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated that its troops in the North East and across all regions continue to record significant progress in dismantling terrorist infrastructure.
“We are winning this war, and no amount of fake news can alter the truth on the ground,” Kangye affirmed.
Conclusion: National Unity Remains Crucial in Counterterrorism Fight
This incident underscores the need for digital responsibility and fact-based reporting. While the military continues to take the battle to terrorist enclaves, citizens also have a role to play in ensuring truthful narratives prevail over misleading propaganda.
The fake video of the Marte attack is another reminder that information warfare is a critical front in Nigeria’s broader security landscape.
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Fake video of Marte attack
