The Nigerian Army has reportedly launched an internal investigation to identify and track down personnel suspected of leaking details of recent deadly Boko Haram attacks on military formations in Yobe State to the media.
According to military sources, the move followed the publication of reports detailing coordinated insurgent attacks on two military facilities in Yobe, which allegedly resulted in significant casualties among soldiers and Mobile Police officers.
The sources disclosed that the reports sparked anger among top security officials in Abuja, prompting an immediate response from military authorities.
A source familiar with the matter said senior commanders reacted swiftly after the reports surfaced, expressing concern over how operational details reached the media shortly after the attacks.
“There was anger within top military circles that information about the attack got to the media so quickly,” the source said.
Following the incident, the military reportedly established a committee tasked with identifying personnel suspected of leaking sensitive operational information to journalists and media organizations.
“They were angry that information about the attack got to the media so quickly. After that, a committee was set up to fish out soldiers working with media houses,” one source alleged.
The committee is reportedly focused on tracing how information related to Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks is shared outside military formations, especially concerning recent incidents in the North-East.
Sources also claimed that military authorities have tightened information management, allegedly directing personnel to avoid sharing details of insurgent attacks publicly.
According to one source, soldiers were warned that information about Boko Haram or ISWAP operations should not be disclosed without authorization.
“They said such reports are damaging the image of the government and the military. The instruction was that operational failures should be managed internally,” the source alleged.
Concerns have also emerged over possible disciplinary measures against soldiers accused of communicating with the media.
“Commanders warned that any soldier found communicating with the media would face severe punishment,” another source claimed, adding that personnel now fear being targeted or falsely accused.
