The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims that it received prior intelligence warning about the June 13, 2025 attacks in Benue State but failed to act.
Reacting to media reports referencing a purported leaked memo from the Department of State Services (DSS), Major General Moses Gara, Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), described the claims as false, misleading, and a form of cyberbullying intended to discredit the military.
The DSS memo, dated May 13, allegedly warned of planned attacks by suspected “Fulani militias” targeting Tiv communities and settlements in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State and several areas across Benue State, reportedly in retaliation for the seizure of cows by the state government.
The document named several at-risk communities, including Mararaba, Gidan Antonny, Vandikya, Gwer West, Makurdi, and others, and claimed the militias held strategic meetings and positioned armed men in forests near Doma and Keana LGAs in Nasarawa.
Despite the specific warnings detailed in the alleged memo, Major General Gara firmly denied receiving such intelligence.
“There is no evidence to show that such a memo was ever received at this Headquarters. If Sahara Reporters or any other party has such a document, they should produce proof that it was formally dispatched and received at Headquarters OPWS,” Gara said.
He emphasized that threat alerts are a routine part of counter-insurgency operations and are handled with urgency, but noted that the unpredictable and covert nature of militia activities makes pre-empting attacks challenging.
“This kind of misleading publication does more harm than good. It demoralizes our troops, misinforms the public, and emboldens criminal elements,” he added.
The June 13 attack left 47 dead, 27 injured, and hundreds displaced across Benue State, according to police confirmation.
In a statement by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Officer of OPWS, the military reiterated its commitment to protecting lives in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, and urged the public to rely on verified information to avoid inciting fear of distrust.
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