Senior lawyer says Nigerian military had already declared the terrorist leader dead months earlier.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has blasted Donald Trump and Bola Ahmed Tinubu over claims surrounding the reported killing of an ISWAP commander, describing the announcement as misleading and politically convenient.
Falana reportedly argued that the Nigerian military had already announced the death of the same terrorist figure sometime in 2024, questioning why the development was being presented again as a fresh counterterrorism breakthrough. His comments have reignited debate over transparency in Nigeria’s security operations.
The senior advocate warned against what he described as “recycled victories” in the fight against terrorism, stressing that Nigerians deserve accurate information instead of propaganda-driven security updates. According to him, repeated declarations about the deaths of terrorist commanders only weaken public trust in official military communication.
The controversy has also triggered reactions on social media, with many Nigerians demanding clarity from security authorities over the true identity of the slain ISWAP figure. Critics argue that inconsistent announcements create confusion and undermine confidence in the country’s anti-terror war.
Security analysts say the dispute highlights the larger challenge facing Nigeria’s battle against insurgency, especially in the North-East where ISWAP and Boko Haram factions continue to launch deadly attacks despite repeated claims of military success.