Nigerian Army dismisses report on general's death as fake news

The Nigerian Army has strongly refuted a social media report circulating online that falsely claims the recent killing of former Provost Marshal, Major General Hassan Ahmed, and the abduction of his wife near Abuja. The Army characterized the report as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary panic.

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This report is completely false and is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Army clarified that the circulating report is a recycled account of a tragic incident that actually occurred on July 15, 2021, along the Abuja-Lokoja Road. The Army emphasized that security agencies investigated the matter at the time, leading to the arrest of the assailants and subsequent legal proceedings.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the tragic incident involving Late Major General Hassan Ahmed occurred on 15 July 2021 along the Abuja–Lokoja Road," the statement read. "Security agencies promptly investigated the matter, leading to the arrest of the assailants and the due administration of justice."

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For the avoidance of doubt, the tragic incident involving Late Major General Hassan Ahmed occurred on 15 July 2021 along the Abuja–Lokoja Road.

The Army condemned what it described as the irresponsible recycling of this five-year-old incident, stating that such actions aim to distort facts and undermine public confidence. It urged the public to disregard the false report and to refrain from sharing unverified or outdated information on social media platforms. The Army also reiterated its dedication to fulfilling its constitutional duties of defending the nation's territorial integrity and maintaining peace and security.

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Security agencies promptly investigated the matter, leading to the arrest of the assailants and the due administration of justice.