Nigerian Army Denies Report Claiming 40 Soldiers Killed in Borno Attacks
Nigerian Army Denies Report Claiming 40 Soldiers Killed in Borno Attacks
The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports claiming that more than 40 soldiers were killed in recent Boko Haram attacks in Borno State, describing the information as exaggerated and misleading.
In a statement issued by the spokesman of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the military urged the public to disregard the report circulating on some online platforms.
According to the army, the report relied heavily on unverified sources and failed to acknowledge the bravery and efforts of troops who defended communities against coordinated terrorist assaults.
The statement explained that the attacks occurred when remnants of Boko Haram insurgents, previously dislodged from the Sambisa Forest during sustained military operations, re grouped and launched coordinated night assaults on several communities.
The terrorists reportedly targeted areas around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok, and Jakana in Borno State.
Despite the attacks, the army said troops responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the insurgents while defending the affected communities. During the engagements, several terrorists were neutralised.
However, the army confirmed that a Commanding Officer and some soldiers lost their lives during the intense battle while confronting the attackers and preventing further destruction.
The military also clarified that its troops were not overrun, contrary to what was reported by some media outlets. Instead, they engaged the terrorists from multiple fronts in a determined effort to protect civilians and restore normalcy.
The statement further noted that the attackers used explosives and heavy gun fire during the night raids, which unfortunately resulted in civilian casualties as some residents were caught in the crossfire.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri to assess the situation and meet with commanders and troops on the ground.
During the visit, he reportedly ordered the immediate reinforcement of troops and the deployment of additional equipment to the affected areas in order to sustain ongoing counter terrorism operations.
The Nigerian Army reassured Nigerians that it remains committed to maintaining operational pressure until all terrorist elements in the region are completely neutralised.
