The Headquarters 82 Division, Nigerian Army / Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA (JTF—SE OPUK) has urged residents of the South-East region to remain vigilant and rely only on accurate and verified information from credible sources, especially in this era of artificial intelligence and digitally manipulated content.
Spokesperson of the 82 Division, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lt Col Ayeni Olabanji said this while reacting to an old and misleading voiceover video that is currently re-circulating on social media.
He said the perpetrators falsely alleged that the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with South-East and Northern Governors, intends to transport weapons of different types through airports in order to attack residents in the South-East region.
He noted that the claims contained in the video are entirely deceptive and represent a calculated attempt to incite disaffection among ethnic groups in the country.
"Ordinarily, the Division / JTF - SE OPUK would not dignify such baseless allegations with a response but in line with our overarching mission to ensure peace and security for socio-economic development in the region, we find it necessary to strongly condemn the misinformation that is designed to instil fear and cause public anxiety.
"Furthermore, all security agencies operating in the South-East region have significantly fostered peaceful coexistence through the effective neutralisation of threats to physical security. As such, any attempt by anyone or groups of persons to undermine the security architecture in the region is an effort in futility.
"Relevant security agencies are currently on trail of the perpetrators. All residents are equally urged to promote peaceful atmosphere through unity and mutual trust in the interest of national security." he stated
