Army debunks ‘17 soldiers killed’ claim in Borno attack, confirms four casualties
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed as false and misleading reports claiming that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during a recent terrorist attack in Benisheikh, Borno State, insisting that only four personnel lost their lives in the encounter.
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed as false and misleading reports claiming that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during a recent terrorist attack in Benisheikh, Borno State, insisting that only four personnel lost their lives in the encounter.
In a statement issued on Friday by Sani Uba, Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, the military described the circulating figures across some television stations and social media platforms as “highly exaggerated” and a deliberate attempt to distort facts and undermine ongoing operations in the North-East.
According to the statement, the officially verified casualty figure, earlier released by Defence Headquarters, shows that two officers and two soldiers were killed during the foiled attack on a military location in Benisheikh.
“The claim that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, lost their lives is entirely false, misleading, and devoid of credibility,” the statement said.
The military also refuted reports suggesting that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle broke down during the attack.
It clarified that the commander was operating from a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was only temporarily immobilised during intense combat while he coordinated a counter-assault.
“It reflects the intensity of the engagement and the presence of leadership at the decisive point, not any equipment failure,” the statement added.
Operation HADIN KAI further accused some actors of circulating unrelated images and videos to support the false narrative, warning that such actions were aimed at creating panic and eroding public trust in the military.
The task force condemned what it described as the exploitation of a sensitive security incident for propaganda or personal gain, noting that such distortions diminish the sacrifices and professionalism of troops on the frontlines.
Despite the attack, the military maintained that its troops successfully repelled the insurgents, retained control of their position, and forced the attackers into a disorganised retreat.
“The failed assault underscores the sustained pressure on terrorist elements and the growing combat effectiveness of our troops,” the statement said.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated that the Armed Forces remain committed to their constitutional mandate and urged the public to rely only on official sources for verified information, cautioning against the spread of unconfirmed reports.
The DHQ had said that soldiers have been killed during a coordinated terrorist attack on troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI at their headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.
It said the attack occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, when insurgents attempted to breach the facility’s defensive perimeter but were repelled by troops.
