Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging that more than 40 soldiers were killed during recent terrorist attacks in communities in Borno State, describing the claim as misleading and based on unverified sources.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer, HQ Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Army expressed concern over a report published by Sahara Reporters which suggested that dozens of troops lost their lives during the attacks.
According to the Army, the report presents a distorted version of events and does not adequately capture the efforts of soldiers who fought bravely to defend affected communities from coordinated assaults by terrorists.
“The Nigerian Army has noted with concern a report published by Sahara Reporters alleging that over 40 soldiers were killed during recent terrorist attacks in parts of Borno State,” the statement said.
“The report, which relied largely on unverified sources, presents a distorted account of the incident and fails to reflect the gallant efforts of troops who bravely defended communities against coordinated terrorist assaults.”
Military authorities explained that the attacks were carried out by remnants of Boko Haram fighters who had earlier been dislodged from the Sambisa Forest following sustained military operations.
The terrorists reportedly regrouped and launched coordinated night attacks on several vulnerable communities and military positions around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana.
According to the statement, troops responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in intense battles aimed at protecting residents and preventing the insurgents from gaining ground.
“The troops on ground responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the terrorists and defend the affected communities. During the intense engagements, a number of terrorists were neutralized.”
However, the Army acknowledged that the confrontation came at a heavy cost.
“Sadly, a Commanding Officer and some brave soldiers paid the supreme price while courageously confronting the attackers and preventing further devastation on other communities.”
The Army strongly refuted claims that its forces were overrun during the attacks, insisting that soldiers maintained defensive positions while engaging the insurgents on multiple fronts.
“It is important to note that the troops were not overrun as portrayed in the report. Rather, they engaged the terrorists from multiple fronts in a determined effort to protect innocent civilians and restore normalcy.”
Military officials also disclosed that the attackers used explosives and heavy gunfire during the nighttime assault, which contributed to civilian casualties as some residents were caught in the crossfire.
“The attackers also employed indiscriminate explosives and heavy night gunfire, which regrettably resulted in civilian casualties as many residents were caught in the crossfire created by the terrorists’ reckless actions.”
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri to assess the situation and boost the morale of troops.
During the visit, the Army chief met with field commanders and directed the reinforcement of personnel and deployment of additional equipment to affected areas.
“The Chief of Army Staff… directed the immediate reinforcement of troops and deployment of additional equipment to the affected areas to sustain the momentum against the fleeing terrorists,” the statement added.
The military said coordinated ground and air operations are currently underway to track down fleeing insurgents, dismantle regrouping cells and rescue civilians who may have been abducted during the attacks.
Authorities also urged the public to ignore exaggerated reports capable of undermining the morale of troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations.
“Members of the public are therefore urged to disregard exaggerated and misleading reports aimed at undermining the morale of troops who continue to make enormous sacrifices in defence of the nation,” the statement said.
The Army reaffirmed its determination to sustain ongoing operations until all terrorist elements operating in the region are completely neutralized.