A claim that a video shows the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) has expanded its operations into Kogi State, which shares a border with Anambra is circulating online.
The claim was made on X by a user, @CitizensObs, in a post containing a nearly one-minute video. In the footage, camouflaged armoured tanks and ammunition were seen parked with men standing nearby, while voices speaking what sounded like Fulfulde could be heard in the background.
The video had a caption alongside that read;
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CLAIM
Video shows ISWAP in Kogi State.
THE FINDINGS
Findings by The FactCheckHub indicate the claim is MISLEADING!
When screenshots from the video were subjected to a Google Lens search, the results showed several previous appearances of the footage as well as related media reports.
According to the reports, on August 8, 2024, terrorists affiliated with Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda–linked group, ambushed and attacked military personnel in southeastern Burkina Faso. During the attack, the terrorists reportedly killed more than 100 soldiers and seized several armoured vehicles.
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In a separate development, Nigerian media outlets reported that the State Security Service (SSS) had raised an alarm about a possible terrorist attack targeting communities in Ondo and Kogi states, allegedly planned by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
THE VERDICT
The claim that the video shows ISWAP occupying Kogi state is misleading; the video is from over a year ago, which shows JNIM terrorists at Burkina Faso.
Seasoned fact-checker and researcher Fatimah Quadri has written numerous fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy pieces for The FactCheckHub in an effort to combat information disorder. She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org.
