Community Notes has declared that the Nigerian Army photos claiming a destroyed bomb factory in Imo State are fake.
The Army had tagged Community Notes and X boss Elon Musk to verify the images. Readers noted that the Nigerian Army claimed to have destroyed a bomb factory in Imo State, but the photos with blurred information were actually taken in Ikorodu, Lagos State. They also questioned why people have no trust or respect for the Nigerian military and police.
Nigerian Army Defends Its Operations
In response, the Nigerian Army issued a statement titled IPOB Propaganda Operation Udo Ka Invites Media Organisations and Civil Society Groups to Verification Tour of Orsu-Eketutu Mother Valley and Orsu–Ihiteukwa in Imo State. The statement was released on 15 March 2026 by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division Nigerian Army.
The Army insisted that the photos were genuine and showed explosives recovered during Operation Eastern Sanity in Imo and Anambra states. The blurred geo-location information was explained as a measure for operational security and not intended to mislead the public.
Military Claims Success Against Armed Groups Despite Evidence Showing False
Despite evidence showing that the Nigerian Army lied about the location of the photos, they claimed that troops have dismantled multiple camps, hideouts, and bomb-making facilities belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. The Army said these operations took place in the Mother Valley area spanning Imo and Anambra states.
The military added that these groups have lost most of their equipment and operational bases. Following these losses, they are allegedly focusing on spreading disinformation and attempting to create divisions among local communities.
Army Accuses Social Media Accounts of Manipulation Despite Community Notes Debunking Their Claim
Even after Community Notes debunked the Army’s claim about destroying a bomb factory in Imo State, the Nigerian Army accused alleged pro-IPOB social media accounts of manipulating the photos and metadata. Harry Da Diegot on X and Adaigboglobal on Facebook were cited as altering the metadata to make it appear the photos were taken in Lagos and Oyo states instead of the southeast. The Army also criticized attempts to focus on the ethnicity of a serving officer instead of addressing the facts of the operation.
Army Invites Media Including Community Notes, Elon Musk, and Civil Society to Verify
To counter what it calls propaganda, the Army invited journalists, media executives, civil society groups, and concerned individuals to a verification tour of the operation areas in Orsu-Eketutu Mother Valley and Orsu–Ihiteukwa where explosives and bomb-making materials were recovered. Visits will be arranged through the 82 Division Army Public Relations office and conducted safely without compromising ongoing operations.
Community Notes responded to this invitation, adding context that the Nigerian Army photos were actually taken in Lagos and not Imo State and questioning why the public has little trust in the military and police.
Army Continues Tour Instead of Admitting False Claim
The Nigerian Army emphasized that it is an apolitical, professional, and multi-ethnic institution with personnel serving across the country regardless of state of origin. The military urged Nigerians to verify information through official channels before sharing online and to prioritize national unity over ethnic or political divisions.
Next Steps
The Army said it has attached the original photos from the operation, the blurred versions posted on social media, and the images it claims were manipulated by IPOB supporters. The verification tour is expected to clarify the authenticity of the photos and the location of the recovered materials.
Despite the Army’s assurances, readers remain skeptical due to discrepancies in photo locations and continue to question the credibility of the Nigerian military and police.
