By Ihotu Uriel
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, has strongly denied recent allegations published by Sahara Reporters, which claimed that the Nigerian military had foreknowledge of the June 13 attacks in Benue State but failed to act.
Addressing journalists at the OPWS Headquarters in Makurdi, Major General Gara described the report as “false, misleading, and dangerously irresponsible,” accusing the media outlet of promoting cyberbullying under the guise of investigative journalism.
“The publication by Sahara Reporters lacks credible evidence and is based on assumptions rather than facts. It is designed to erode public trust and demoralize the brave men and women risking their lives to keep Nigeria safe,” he stated.
Central to the allegation is a supposed leaked memo from the Department of State Services (DSS), dated May 13, 2025, which Sahara Reporters claims contained actionable intelligence about the attacks. Major General Gara firmly refuted the existence of such communication within OPWS channels.
“There is no record of this so-called memo at the OPWS Headquarters. If anyone is in possession of such a document, they should come forward with verifiable proof that it was officially transmitted and received,” he said.
He stressed that intelligence gathering and threat assessments are routine in counter-insurgency operations, and while every alert is taken seriously, the asymmetric nature of the threat particularly criminal elements blending into civilian populations makes precise prediction and prevention of attacks a significant challenge.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across its operational areas in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, Major General Gara called for public vigilance and restraint in spreading unverified information.
“Misinformation not only misleads the public but can embolden criminal groups and discourage our troops. The media must be more responsible, especially when reporting on national security matters,” he emphasized.
He urged media practitioners to prioritize professionalism, accuracy, and national interest, particularly in times of heightened insecurity. According to him, unsubstantiated reports like this do more harm than good and risk undermining efforts to stabilize the affected regions.
The OPWS commander concluded with a call to Nigerians to rely on credible sources for information and to continue supporting the armed forces in their ongoing efforts to restore peace and security.
“Our troops remain focused, resilient, and committed to their mandate. We ask for continued cooperation from the public and the media to ensure the integrity and success of our mission,” he affirmed.
