Nigerian Army reacts to alleged death of 17 Soldiers in Terrorists attack
Nigerian Army reacts to alleged death of 17 Soldiers in Terrorists attack
The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during a confrontation with insurgents in Benisheikh, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the military said the reports were aimed at discrediting troops involved in ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The Army clarified that only two officers and two soldiers lost their lives during the encounter.
“OPHK categorically refutes the claim that the official and verified report, as earlier released through Defence Headquarters, clearly stated that two officers and two soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement,” it said.
The statement also dismissed reports questioning the condition of the Brigade Commander’s vehicle during the operation, insisting that the claims were inaccurate.
It explained that the Commander was operating from a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised during intense combat while he coordinated the counter-offensive.
It further cautioned against the circulation of images and videos being linked to the incident, stating that they were unrelated to the Benisheikh attack and were being deliberately used to distort facts.
The Army urged the public to disregard such materials, saying they were intended to misinform and create unnecessary panic.
It also condemned what it described as the manipulation of operational details for propaganda or political purposes, warning that such actions undermine the sacrifices of personnel in active service.
According to the statement, “such actions not only mislead the public but also diminish the sacrifices, courage, and professionalism of officers and men who continue to risk their lives daily in defence of the nation.”
