The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false a viral social media report claiming that a senior military officer, Major General Hassan Ahmed, was recently killed and his wife abducted near Abuja.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Army said the report currently circulating online was misleading and referred to an incident that actually happened in July 2021.
According to the military authorities, some social media users recycled the old report and presented it as a fresh attack, thereby causing confusion and unnecessary panic among members of the public.
“The Nigerian Army has noted with concern a misleading social media report currently circulating, falsely claiming the recent killing of Late Major General Hassan Ahmed and the abduction of his wife near Abuja,” the statement said.
“This report is completely false and is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.”
The Army clarified that the tragic incident involving the late Major General Hassan Ahmed occurred on July 15, 2021, along the Abuja–Lokoja Road.
At the time, the attack generated widespread shock across the country because of the senior status of the officer involved and growing concerns over insecurity around the Federal Capital Territory and major highways.
Major General Ahmed, who was then a former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, was attacked by gunmen while travelling with his wife.
He was killed during the attack, while his wife was reportedly abducted before she was later rescued.
The incident drew national attention and renewed concerns about armed attacks, kidnappings and insecurity along highways linking Abuja to other parts of the country.
Following the attack in 2021, security agencies launched investigations into the matter and later announced the arrest of suspects linked to the crime.
The Nigerian Army, in its latest statement, said the matter had already been investigated and justice carried out.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the tragic incident involving Late Major General Hassan Ahmed occurred on 15 July 2021 along the Abuja–Lokoja Road,” the statement added.
“Security agencies promptly investigated the matter, leading to the arrest of the assailants and the due administration of justice.”
The Army condemned the recirculation of the old report and accused those behind it of attempting to spread fear and undermine public confidence.
Military authorities described the action as irresponsible and mischievous, warning Nigerians against spreading unverified or outdated information on social media platforms.
The statement noted that false reports involving security matters could create panic among citizens and damage public trust.
The Army therefore advised Nigerians to verify information before sharing it online.
“Members of the public are strongly advised to disregard the false report and refrain from sharing unverified or outdated information,” the statement further read.
The Army also restated its commitment to protecting the country and maintaining national security.
“The Nigerian Army remains fully committed to its constitutional duties of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and maintaining peace and security,” it stated.
The latest development highlights growing concerns over misinformation and fake news on social media in Nigeria.
In recent years, security agencies and government officials have repeatedly warned against the spread of false reports, especially those relating to terrorism, kidnapping and military operations.
Authorities say the circulation of misleading information can trigger fear, confusion and unnecessary tension among citizens.
Nigeria has experienced increasing cases of fake or recycled reports being reshared online as recent events, particularly during periods of insecurity or political tension.
Experts say the rapid growth of social media platforms has made it easier for old videos, pictures and news stories to be reposted without proper context.
In many cases, such content spreads quickly before fact-checkers or official agencies can issue corrections.
The Abuja–Lokoja Road, where the 2021 attack took place, has long been considered one of the major highways vulnerable to criminal activities such as kidnapping and armed robbery.
Over the years, travellers along the route have raised concerns over attacks by gunmen and kidnappers operating around forested areas near the road.
The Federal Government and security agencies have since increased patrols and military operations along several highways around Abuja and neighbouring states to improve safety.
Despite these efforts, incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks have remained a major security challenge in parts of the country.
The death of Major General Hassan Ahmed in 2021 was particularly shocking because he was a senior military officer who had served the country in different capacities.
His killing drew reactions from political leaders, military authorities and ordinary Nigerians, many of whom described the attack as a painful reminder of the security challenges facing the country.
The fresh circulation of the old report has again brought public attention to the dangers of misinformation in the digital age.
As concerns over fake news continue to grow, authorities are also expected to intensify campaigns against the spread of false information online.
For now, the Nigerian Army insists there was no fresh attack involving the late Major General Hassan Ahmed and has urged Nigerians to ignore the viral report and avoid spreading panic.