Troops defy terrorist propaganda, celebrate sallah in Ngoshe mosque
Army
Abdullateef Fowewe
Troops from Operation Hadin Kai achieved a significant psychological and operational victory by celebrating Eid al-Fitr (Sallah) inside the central mosque in Ngoshe and Gwoza towns, directly countering threats from Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.
Ahead of the festive period, terrorists had spread propaganda videos claiming they would seize Ngoshe and hold Sallah prayers in its mosque “to instill fear and project dominance,” according to military sources.
This followed a deadly attack on the town on March 4.
In a swift response, Nigerian Army troops reinforced the area, supported by aerial patrols and local community vigilance.
“Several terrorists were neutralised and their movements disrupted,” the operation’s statement noted, preventing any incursions.
Sallah day unfolded peacefully, with residents praying freely and embracing normalcy.
In a powerful symbolic reversal, troops—not insurgents—joined the celebrations inside the Ngoshe mosque, “reaffirming control and exposing the failure of terrorist propaganda.”
The Armed Forces praised community cooperation, “The Armed Forces commend residents for their cooperation and urge continued public support.”
They added a stern warning, “Amplifying terrorist narratives only undermines national security.”
