Operation Whirl Stroke Commander Debunks Sahara Reporters’ Claims, Warns Against Misinformation
The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, has dismissed as false and misleading a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the military ignored intelligence warning of the June 13, 2025, attacks in Benue State.
Addressing journalists at the OPWS Headquarters in Makurdi, Major General Gara described the publication as a dangerous example of misinformation intended to discredit the Nigerian military and erode public confidence in its operations.
The report by Sahara Reporters had cited a purported leaked memo from the Department of State Services (DSS), dated May 13, 2025, claiming the military received prior intelligence on the attacks but failed to act. However, Major General Gara firmly denied the existence of such correspondence at OPWS Headquarters.
“There is no evidence to show that such a memo was ever received by this Headquarters. If Sahara Reporters or any individual possesses such a document, they should provide proof that it was officially dispatched and acknowledged here,” he stated.
The OPWS Commander explained that intelligence alerts are part of routine security operations, but due to the complex, asymmetric nature of threats in the region — where criminals often blend in with civilian populations — predicting the exact timing and location of attacks remains challenging.
Reaffirming the military's commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, Major General Gara urged the public to rely on credible information and avoid spreading unverified reports capable of inciting panic or fostering distrust.
He further called on media outlets to uphold professionalism, particularly when reporting on sensitive national security matters.
“This type of misleading publication does more harm than good. It demoralizes our troops, misinforms the public, and gives undue confidence to criminal elements,” Major General Gara warned.
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