The Nigerian Army has accused individuals sympathetic to the separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra of carrying out an online campaign aimed at discrediting recent military operations in the South-East.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the headquarters of Operation Udo Ka and the 82 Division Nigerian Army.
According to the Army, several posts circulating on social media in recent days have attempted to question the authenticity of images showing improvised explosive devices allegedly recovered by troops during ongoing operations in the region.
The military said the posts were part of a coordinated effort to spread doubt about the progress made by troops fighting armed groups in the South-East.
The controversy began after the Army released photographs on March 12, 2026, showing improvised explosive devices, also known as IEDs, said to have been recovered by soldiers during security operations.
The operation, known as Operation Eastern Sanity, is part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle camps used by fighters linked to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
The offensive has been focused on the Orsu axis, a border area covering parts of Imo State and Anambra State.
Shortly after the photographs were released, some social media users began questioning their authenticity.
Some of the posts claimed that the images were not taken in the South-East but instead came from other parts of the country.
According to the Army, some online accounts even claimed that the photographs originated from locations in Lagos State and Oyo State.
In its response, the Army dismissed the claims as false and described them as misinformation intended to undermine security operations.
The military explained that the location details in the pictures were deliberately blurred before they were released to the public.
According to the Army, this was done as a normal security measure to protect soldiers and prevent armed groups from identifying operational positions.
“The devices in the images released were recovered during the ongoing operation conducted simultaneously in Imo and Anambra states,” the statement said.
“However, the geolocation on the pictures was blurred for operational security reasons and not for any other motive.”
The Army also alleged that some individuals manipulated metadata and geolocation markers from the photographs in order to falsely suggest that the images were taken outside the South-East.
Metadata refers to hidden information attached to digital files, such as the location where a photo was taken.
According to the military, the alleged manipulation was part of an attempt to mislead the public.
The Army said troops involved in the operation have in recent weeks destroyed several camps and hideouts linked to armed groups.
According to the statement, soldiers have also discovered and dismantled facilities used for producing explosive devices in the Orsu–Eketutu area.
The region, sometimes referred to by security officials as the “Mother Valley,” is believed to serve as a major base for fighters linked to the Eastern Security Network.
The area stretches across communities in both Imo and Anambra states.
For several years, parts of the South-East have experienced security problems, including attacks on police stations, military formations, and government facilities.
Authorities have often blamed the violence on armed groups linked to IPOB and the ESN, although the group has repeatedly denied responsibility for some attacks.
The Army also expressed concern about what it described as attempts to stir ethnic sentiments during the online debate.
According to the statement, some social media users focused on the ethnic background of the military spokesperson who released the operational update.
The Army described this as a deliberate attempt to distract attention from the security operations.
“The highlights on ethnicity rather than facts represents the foundation of divisive narratives being spread to undermine peace and stability in the South-East,” the statement said.
The military stressed that the Nigerian Army remains a professional institution made up of personnel from different parts of the country.
It said soldiers are deployed across Nigeria regardless of their state of origin.
“The Nigerian Army remains an apolitical and multi-ethnic institution whose personnel serve the nation wherever they are posted,” the statement added.
To address the controversy and improve transparency, the Army said it has invited media organisations and civil society groups to verify the claims.
According to the military, journalists, defence correspondents and independent observers will be allowed to visit the operational areas where the devices were recovered.
The Army said the verification tour will include parts of the Orsu–Eketutu “Mother Valley” and nearby operational zones.
Interested participants are expected to contact the Army Public Relations Department at the headquarters of the 82 Division to arrange the visit.
The military said the inspection would allow observers to view some of the recovered materials used in making explosive devices.
However, the Army noted that the visits would be conducted in a controlled environment in order not to compromise ongoing operations.
The Army also warned Nigerians to be careful about sharing unverified information on social media.
Security officials say misinformation and propaganda can create confusion and weaken security efforts in areas affected by violence.
According to the statement, the Army has already released different versions of the images connected to the operation.
These include the original photographs from the operation area, the blurred versions released to the public, and the alleged manipulated copies circulating online.
The military said the materials have been made available so that members of the public can examine them and understand the differences.
Security operations in the South-East have increased in recent years following a rise in violent incidents.
The activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, have been at the centre of many security discussions.
The Nigerian government has declared IPOB a terrorist organisation and banned its activities.
However, supporters of the group say they are campaigning for the independence of a separate state for the Igbo people.
False information can influence public opinion, increase tension among communities, and make it harder for security agencies to maintain trust.
As debates continue online, the Army urged Nigerians to focus on verified facts and avoid spreading claims that could worsen tensions.
The military said national unity and security depend on responsible communication, especially during sensitive operations.
It added that while public scrutiny is important in a democratic society, information must be verified before it is shared widely.