FACT CHECK: Viral Video Mocking Nigerian Troops Is Misleading, Dangerous Propaganda — Not Reality

By Zagazola Makama

A viral video circulating on social media, in which a content creator identified as “Za Baba” mockingly portrays a supposed soldier captured by bandits, has been confirmed as FALSE, misleading, and dangerously irresponsible.

In the video, the individual uses derogatory language to depict Nigerian soldiers as weak, while glorifying bandits as “warriors.” He further dramatizes a fake scenario of a captured soldier, tied with ropes, taunts and mock sympathy, in what appears to be a staged and scripted performance designed purely for attention and virality.

There is no evidence that the video reflects any real incident. Field checks show no record of such an occurrence. The content creator had also used similar costume to act as bandit in his other videos while another individual acted as a soldier.

The clip is therefore nothing more than fabricated content packaged designed to provoke emotions, mislead the public, and undermine confidence in security forces.

What makes this even more troubling is not just the falsehood but the intent. In a country battling insurgency and banditry, portraying terrorists as heroes while ridiculing national troops is not “content creation” it is reckless amplification of enemy narratives.

The Nigerian military operates in some of the most hostile environments imaginable, confronting heavily armed groups daily. These are men and women who risk and often lose their lives to keep communities safe. Reducing that sacrifice to cheap mockery for clicks is not satire, it is disgraceful.

The individual behind the video was reckless. There is a difference between freedom of expression and irresponsible messaging that emboldens criminals and demoralises those on the frontlines.

Content creators must understand that influence comes with responsibility especially in matters of national security.

Equally concerning is how quickly some bloggers and social media users amplified the clip without verification, using it to attack the military. This reflects a growing trend where falsehood spreads faster than truth, especially when it feeds outrage.

The public is strongly advised to treat such viral content with caution. Not everything seen online is real and in many cases like this, it is deliberately crafted to distort reality.

Nigeria’s security challenges are real. But so too are the sacrifices of those confronting them. Mocking that effort while romanticising terrorists is not just wrong, it is dangerous.

FACT CHECK: Viral Video Mocking Nigerian Troops Is Misleading, Dangerous Propaganda — Not Reality

Troops neutralise two terrorists, recover arms in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol in Zamfara State.

Security sources said the operation was conducted by troops of 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force (QRF) from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bagega in the early hours of May 4.

The troops, while on patrol, advanced through Maikwanuga village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, extending operations to Aljumma, Gidan Dawa, Magami Didi, and Tungar Magaji villages in Maradun Local Government Area.

During the operation, the troops made contact with suspected terrorists at Tungar Magaji village, where a firefight ensued.

“In the course of the engagement, two terrorists were neutralised, while others fled with possible gunshot wounds,” the source said.

Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle.

The troops are currently exploiting the general area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further threats in the region.

Troops neutralise two terrorists, recover arms in Zamfara

Army opens 2026 RSM Convention in Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

The 2026 Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSM) Convention has been declared open in Kaduna, with senior military officials and stakeholders in attendance.

The event, hosted by 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, was inaugurated on May 4 at the JN Garba Hall, Ribadu Cantonment, by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), represented by the Commandant of the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAIPKLC), Maj.-Gen. D.G. Allu.

In attendance were the Chief of Army Administration, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, commanders of affiliated formations within the division’s area of responsibility, resource persons, and representatives of other security agencies, among other invited guests.

The theme of the convention is “Empowering RSMs to Drive Combat Readiness and Professional Excellence.”

The convention is expected to provide a platform for professional development, experience sharing, and strengthening leadership capacity among Regimental Sergeant Majors in the Nigerian Army.

Army opens 2026 RSM Convention in Kaduna