Army Debunks IPOB Claims, Invites Media, CSOs to Verify Recovered IEDs in Imo
The Nigerian Army has invited media organisations and civil society groups to participate in a verification tour of operational areas in Imo State following allegations by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) that images of recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) published by the military were manipulated.
The invitation was issued by the Headquarters of Operation UDO KA and the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army after viral social media posts questioned the authenticity of images released on March 12, 2026, showing recovered explosive devices from the Orsu-Eketutu Mother Valley and Orsu–Ihiteukwa areas of Imo State.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the Army dismissed the allegations as propaganda and clarified that the devices were recovered during Operation Eastern Sanity, an ongoing military operation conducted simultaneously in Imo and Anambra states.
Ayeni explained that the geolocation details on the published images were intentionally blurred for operational security purposes and not to conceal the origin of the recoveries, as alleged by IPOB sympathisers on social media.
According to him, troops have successfully dismantled several camps, hideouts and IED-manufacturing facilities belonging to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), within the Mother Valley general area spanning parts of the two states.
“It is not a gainsaying that troops have completely dislodged many camps, hideouts and IED making factories belonging to IPOB and ESN in the Mother Valley general area,” the statement noted.
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The Army further accused individuals linked to IPOB of manipulating the metadata of the released images to falsely suggest that the photographs originated from Lagos and Oyo states.
It specifically alleged that accounts on social media platforms, including one on X (formerly Twitter) identified as Harry Da Diegot (@trigottista) and another on Facebook identified as @Adaigboglobal, altered the metadata of the blurred images in an attempt to discredit the military operation.
The statement also criticised what it described as attempts to introduce ethnic narratives into the issue rather than addressing the facts surrounding the security operations.
According to the Army, such actions are part of a broader effort to spread misinformation, undermine peace in the South-East and weaken national cohesion.
“To disarm the propaganda and build public confidence, Headquarters Operation UDO KA invites media executives, correspondents, civil society organisations and individuals genuinely concerned about the authenticity of the recoveries to come forward for verification,” Ayeni said.
He added that interested representatives could contact the Public Relations unit of the 82 Division Nigerian Army to arrange an inspection tour of the operational areas and examine recovered IED-making materials in a manner that would not compromise ongoing operations or endanger personnel.
The Army reiterated that it remains a professional, apolitical and multi-ethnic institution whose personnel serve across the country regardless of their state of origin.
It also urged Nigerians and social media users to verify information through official channels before sharing claims online and to prioritise national unity over divisive narratives.
The Army noted that original images taken during the operation, the blurred versions released on its official social media platforms and the allegedly manipulated images circulated by IPOB sympathisers were attached to the statement for public scrutiny.
By PRNigeria
