Army debunks report of 40 soldiers killed in Borno attacks

By: Zagazola Makama 

The Nigerian Army has debunked a media report alleging that more than 40 soldiers were killed during recent terrorist attacks in parts of Borno, describing the claim as exaggerated and misleading.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Maiduguri, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said the report relied on unverified sources and failed to reflect the gallant efforts of troops who defended affected communities.

Uba explained that the attacks occurred when remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, previously dislodged from the Sambisa Forest during sustained military operations, regrouped and launched coordinated night assaults on communities and troop locations.

He said the terrorists attacked areas around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana from multiple directions.

According to him, troops responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the attackers and defend the communities.

“During the intense engagements, a number of terrorists were neutralised.

“Sadly, a Commanding Officer and some brave soldiers paid the supreme price while courageously confronting the attackers and preventing further devastation on other communities,” he said.

Uba stressed that troops were not overrun as portrayed in the report, noting that they engaged the terrorists from multiple fronts to protect civilians and restore normalcy.

He added that the attackers employed indiscriminate explosives and heavy gunfire at night, which led to civilian casualties as residents were caught in the crossfire.

The spokesman disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, had visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri to reassess the operational situation.

During the visit, he directed immediate reinforcement of troops and the deployment of additional equipment to the affected areas to sustain ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

Uba said coordinated ground and air operations were currently underway to pursue the fleeing terrorists, dismantle their regrouping elements and rescue civilians who might have been abducted during the attacks.

He urged members of the public to disregard exaggerated reports capable of undermining the morale of troops who continue to make sacrifices in defence of the nation.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute and committed to decisively dealing with the terrorists and ensuring that such attacks are thwarted,” he said.