The military described the report as part of a “growing pattern of unsubstantiated claims” aimed at undermining security efforts in Nigeria’s volatile Middle Belt region.The controversy erupted on Sunday, October 12, when the pastor allegedly shared the account during a church service, according to a report published by Daily Post Nigeria on October 13.  

He claimed that after suspected Fulani attackers killed several church members in a recent assault, troops arrived at the scene but hesitated, insisting on first contacting the militants for “permission” to proceed. 

The soldiers reportedly gave the group just 10 minutes to evacuate the corpses once approval was granted, leaving grieving relatives to witness the bodies lying unattended for hours. 

The pastor’s testimony called on the federal government to intervene decisively amid escalating communal violence in Plateau State.

In response, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer for JTF Operation Enduring Peace, issued a detailed statement on Tuesday accusing the narrative of being a “deliberate attempt to misinform the public.” 

Zhakom highlighted key inconsistencies in the story, including the lack of a specific date, location, or verifiable identity for the pastor, labeling it “sensational” and anonymous. 

He linked it to prior unsubstantiated allegations, such as those from Rev. Dachomo earlier this year, which similarly criticized security forces without evidence.

“This trend not only undermines public confidence but also jeopardizes ongoing peace-building efforts,” Zhakom wrote, urging religious leaders to prioritize “peace and community cooperation” over what he called a “subtle campaign of misinformation.” 

He reaffirmed the operation’s commitment to “impartiality, rapid response, and the protection of all citizens irrespective of ethnic or religious identity,” vowing to continue engaging “genuine community and religious leaders” to foster sustainable stability in the Joint Operations Area (JOA).