The military has denied reports claiming that soldiers sought permission from suspected Fulani militants before recovering the bodies of church members killed in a recent attack in Jos.

The allegation surfaced on 13 October 2025, when an unnamed pastor reportedly told his congregation that soldiers could not collect the bodies until the attackers granted them permission.

According to the report, the bodies were left where they fell, forcing grieving families to watch helplessly and sparking calls for immediate government intervention.

However, the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Enduring Peace, dismissed the report as false and unverified.

In a statement on Tuesday, the JTF said the story lacked key details such as the name of the pastor and the exact location of the incident.

“A close examination of the current report reveals several inconsistencies, such as no specific date, location, or verifiable identity of the said pastor, suggesting a deliberate attempt to misinform the public,” the military said.

“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.”

It added, “It is even more worrisome that some religious leaders, instead of promoting peace and community cooperation, appear to be leading a subtle campaign of misinformation against the security agencies working tirelessly to maintain order. This trend not only undermines public confidence but also jeopardises ongoing peace-building efforts.

“Notwithstanding this, Operation ENDURING PEACE remains undeterred, maintaining its professional commitment to impartiality, rapid response, and the protection of all citizens irrespective of ethnic or religious identity, while continuing to engage genuine community and religious leaders to promote sustainable peace across the JOA.”