The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) said it was a false and misleading claim by ISWAP that it was providing protection to communities in the Lake Chad region.

Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Intelligence Officer, HQ MNJTF N’Djamena, Chad, described the claim as false and misleading, noting that ISWAP terrorist groups are propagating a distorted narrative, falsely portraying a harmonious relationship between communities. in the Lake Chad region and themselves.

“They claim to provide protection and enforce strict Sharia law, which misrepresents the reality of their actions and intentions,” it said.

The doctored footage is said to have featured farmers, herdsmen and fishermen speaking in Hausa, falsely emphasizing their alleged harmonious relationship with ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists.

He said the report also contains some unimaginable and poorly articulated falsehoods aimed at stoking emotions and creating the illusion that terrorist groups are providing protection for lives and property in the Lake Chad region.

“MNJTF wishes to categorically state that the footage is intended to mislead and manipulate public opinion while concealing the horrific acts they have committed against the innocent population of the region.

“MNJTF has documented numerous cases of forced displacement, brutal murders, kidnappings and other heinous acts by ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists, which have caused fear and suffering among local communities. Contrary to the false description of ‘peaceful coexistence’, the MNJTF is actively engaged in stabilizing the area, providing genuine protection to civilians and creating conditions conducive to peace and sustainable development,” the statement said.

ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists, instead of acting as protectors, are said to have devastated local economies by restricting freedom of movement and disrupting agriculture, fishing and trade.

“In contrast, the MNJTF actively collaborates with regional partners and national forces to stabilize the region, provide genuine civilian protection and create conditions conducive to peace and sustainable development,” the statement said.