\n\nThe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society have strongly denied allegations circulating on social media that they are supporting armed groups in northern Nigeria, describing the claims as false and misleading. In a joint statement, both organisations warned that such misinformation could seriously undermine their humanitarian mission and hinder the delivery of life-saving assistance to vulnerable communities affected by conflict. 
The organisations stressed that their operations are guided by core humanitarian principles, including neutrality, independence, impartiality, and transparency. They clarified that while the ICRC engages in dialogue with all parties in conflict zones to gain access to affected populations, it does not provide financial, logistical, or any other form of support to armed groups. According to the statement, such engagement is strictly for humanitarian purposes and does not imply endorsement or assistance. 
The denial follows viral claims stemming from testimonies and social media posts alleging that Red Cross personnel had interacted with insurgents in areas such as Sambisa forest. Both organisations urged the public and media to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports, noting that misinformation could endanger aid workers and deprive conflict-affected populations of critical support in regions already grappling with insurgency and humanitarian crises.
