The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports claiming that more than 40 soldiers were killed in recent terrorist attacks in parts of Borno State, describing the claims as exaggerated and misleading.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East Operation HADIN KAI, said the reports failed to acknowledge the efforts of troops who successfully repelled coordinated attacks by insurgents across several communities.
According to him, the attackers were remnants of Boko Haram fighters who had earlier been dislodged from Sambisa Forest during previous military operations.
Coordinated attacks repelled
Uba explained that the insurgents regrouped and launched coordinated night-time assaults from multiple directions on communities and military positions in areas including Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok, and Jakana.
He said troops responded quickly and engaged the attackers in intense gun battles, eventually repelling them and preventing further destruction in the affected communities.
“During the engagements, several terrorists were neutralised,” Uba stated.
However, he confirmed that the military recorded some casualties during the clashes.
“Sadly, a Commanding Officer and some brave soldiers paid the supreme price while courageously confronting the attackers and preventing devastation in other communities,” he said.
The army spokesman stressed that contrary to claims circulating online, troops were not overwhelmed by the insurgents.
He said soldiers fought on several fronts simultaneously to protect civilians and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
According to him, the terrorists used heavy gunfire and indiscriminate explosives during the attacks, which resulted in civilian casualties as some residents were caught in the crossfire.
Army chief visits Maiduguri
Uba also revealed that the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, travelled to Maiduguri to assess the situation and reinforce ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
During the visit, the army chief ordered the immediate reinforcement of troops and deployment of additional equipment to sustain operations against the insurgents.
He added that coordinated ground and air operations were ongoing to track fleeing terrorists, dismantle their regrouping efforts and rescue civilians who may have been abducted during the attacks.
Uba urged members of the public to disregard what he described as exaggerated casualty figures circulating online, saying such claims could undermine the morale of troops engaged in the fight against insurgency.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute and committed to decisively confronting the terrorists until lasting peace is restored in the North-East,” he said.
