Army accuses IPOB allies of online campaign to discredit S’East operations
The Nigerian Army has accused sympathizers of the Indigenous People of Biafra of launching a social media campaign intended to undermine military operations in the South-East.
The Nigerian Army has made allegations against individuals who are believed to support the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), claiming that they are engaged in a coordinated online campaign to discredit recent military activities in the South-East region. This accusation was formally stated in a release by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, who highlighted specific online posts that sought to question the authenticity of images depicting improvised explosive devices seized by military forces.
The military's statement underlined concerns over certain social media narratives that not only challenge the operational effectiveness of troops but also resort to ethnic sentiments, particularly through scrutinizing the background of the spokesperson who shared updates on military operations. By doing so, they believe these narratives serve to distract public attention from the successes that the military has achieved in maintaining security in the region.
These accusations point to a larger context of conflict and tension in the South-East of Nigeria, where the IPOB seeks greater autonomy or independence. The Nigerian Army's response reflects their commitment to countering both physical threats and the informational battles on social media, emphasizing the challenges they face in navigating public perception amid ongoing security operations.