The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging that more than 40 soldiers were killed during recent terrorist attacks in parts of Borno State, describing the claims as misleading and based on unverified information.
The reaction followed a report by Sahara Reporters which alleged that the military suffered heavy casualties during coordinated attacks on several communities in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the publication presented a distorted account of the incident and failed to acknowledge the efforts of troops who defended communities against the assaults.
According to the army, the attacks were carried out by remnants of Boko Haram fighters who had earlier been dislodged from the Sambisa Forest during sustained military offensives.
“The attacks on multiple communities occurred when remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, who had earlier been dislodged from the Sambisa Forest during sustained offensive operations by troops, regrouped and launched coordinated night attacks from multiple directions,” the statement said.
The military said the attackers targeted communities and troop locations around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana.
It explained that troops responded swiftly to the attacks and engaged the insurgents in fierce battles to protect residents and secure the affected areas.
“The troops on the ground responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the terrorists and defend the affected communities,” the statement added.
While confirming that a commanding officer and some soldiers lost their lives during the confrontation, the army said several terrorists were neutralised in the exchange of gunfire.
“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 statement noted.
The army also rejected claims that its troops were overwhelmed during the incident, insisting that the soldiers maintained control while engaging the attackers from different 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,” the statement said.
According to the military, the attackers used explosives and heavy gunfire during the night assault, which also resulted in civilian casualties after residents were caught in the crossfire.
The statement further disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, had visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri to assess the situation and boost the morale of troops.
During the visit, the army chief directed the immediate reinforcement of troops and deployment of additional equipment to the affected areas to intensify ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
The army added that coordinated ground and air offensives are currently underway to track down the attackers, dismantle their regrouping elements and rescue civilians who may have been abducted during the attacks.
It urged members of the public to disregard what it described as exaggerated reports capable of undermining the morale of troops, assuring Nigerians that military operations against terrorist groups would continue until they are completely neutralised.
