The Nigerian Army has reportedly set up an internal probe panel to identify personnel suspected of leaking details of recent Boko Haram attacks on military formations in Yobe State.
Military sources told SaharaReporters that the move followed the publication of a report on coordinated insurgent attacks on two military installations in the state, which reportedly led to casualties among soldiers and mobile police officers.
The sources said the publication triggered anger among top security officials in Abuja and prompted an immediate internal response.
A military source said one of the commanders received calls shortly after the report was published.
The source said there was anger within top military circles that details of the attack reached the media quickly.
“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,” the source said.
According to the sources, the committee has been mandated to trace how operational information moved from military formations to journalists.
The probe is said to focus particularly on recent Boko Haram and ISWAP-related incidents.
The sources further alleged that military authorities had tightened control of operational information and instructed personnel to withhold details of attacks.
One source alleged, “We were told clearly that going forward, information about Boko Haram or ISWAP attacks should not be made public until after the 2027 elections.
“They said such reports are damaging the image of the government and the military. The instruction was that operational failures should be managed internally.”
Soldiers Fear Disciplinary Action
There are also concerns over possible disciplinary action against soldiers suspected of speaking to the press.
Another source said, “Commanders warned that any soldier found communicating with the media would face severe punishment.
“The threat was serious. People are scared because they believe they can be framed or targeted at any time.”
The development followed Boko Haram attacks on two military formations in Yobe State.
The affected locations included the Theatre Training Centre in Buniyadi and a brigade location in Buni Gari, both reportedly targeted in coordinated midnight assaults.
