The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during a recent terrorist attack in Benisheikh, Borno State, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, clarified that the actual casualties from the incident were two officers and two soldiers.
He condemned the circulation of exaggerated reports across some television stations and social media platforms, noting that such narratives distort facts, undermine military operations, and erode public trust.
Uba also addressed claims that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle broke down during the attack. According to him, the commander was operating in a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was only temporarily immobilised during intense combat while he coordinated a counter-attack.
He further warned the public against relying on viral videos and images linked to the incident, stating that many of them are unrelated and deliberately misrepresented to spread falsehood.
Reaffirming the military’s position, the statement emphasized that troops under Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled the attack, retained control of their base, and forced the insurgents to retreat in disarray.
The Army urged the public to depend on official channels for accurate information and avoid sharing unverified reports, stressing its continued commitment to national security and professional conduct in ongoing operations.
