The Nigerian Army has dismissed an online news report alleging that troops deployed to recover bodies of church members killed by suspected Fulani militias in Jos were forced to seek permission from the attackers before accessing the scene.

The Army, through the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, stated on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, that the claim is unsubstantiated and appears to be part of a coordinated pattern to erode public trust.

Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer for JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, noted that the publication, which surfaced on October 13, lacks verifiable details.

The initial report claimed an undisclosed Jos-based clergyman made the allegation during a church service on Sunday.

The clergyman allegedly stated soldiers “told the pastor plainly that they could not move in to recover the bodies until they had gotten permission from the Fulani militias who carried out the attack.”

Major Zhakom pointed to inconsistencies in the report, including “no specific date, location or verifiable identity of the said pastor,” suggesting a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.

“The anonymity of the source and the sensational nature of the claim point to a coordinated narrative designed to erode public trust in security agencies,” Zhakom stated.

The statement drew parallels to past “unsubstantiated claims” attributed to other religious figures, suggesting a “growing pattern”.

Major Zhakom expressed concern that some religious leaders, “instead of promoting peace and community cooperation, appear to be leading a subtle campaign of misinformation against the security agencies.”

Operation ENDURING PEACE affirmed it “remains undeterred”, maintaining its “professional commitment to impartiality, rapid response and the protection of all citizens irrespective of ethnic or religious identity”.

The force pledged to continue engaging genuine community and religious leaders to promote sustainable peace.