The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports claiming that more than 40 soldiers were killed during recent terrorist attacks in parts of Borno State, describing the claim as misleading and based on unverified sources.
The military was reacting to a report by Sahara Reporters alleging heavy casualties among troops following coordinated attacks on communities in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the report presented a distorted version of the incident and failed to acknowledge the efforts of troops who defended communities against terrorist assaults.
According to the army, the attacks were carried out by remnants of Boko Haram fighters who had previously been dislodged from the Sambisa Forest during ongoing military operations.
“The attacks on multiple communities occurred when remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, who had earlier been dislodged from the Sambisa Forest during sustained offensive operations by troops, regrouped and launched coordinated night attacks from multiple directions,” the statement said.
The army explained that the attacks targeted communities and troop locations around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana in Borno State.
It added that troops responded swiftly to the attacks and fought to repel the insurgents while defending the affected communities.
“The troops on the ground responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the terrorists and defend the affected communities,” the statement added.
While confirming casualties among security personnel, the army said the number of deaths reported in the media was inaccurate.
“Sadly, a Commanding Officer and some brave soldiers paid the supreme price while courageously confronting the attackers and preventing further devastation on other communities,” the army stated.
The military also rejected claims that its troops were overwhelmed during the attacks, insisting that soldiers engaged the terrorists from several fronts to protect civilians and restore normalcy.
“It is important to note that the troops were not overrun as portrayed in the report. Rather, they engaged the terrorists from multiple fronts in a determined effort to protect innocent civilians and restore normalcy,” the statement said.
The army explained that the attackers used explosives and heavy gunfire during the night assault, which also resulted in civilian casualties after residents were caught in the crossfire.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri to assess the situation and boost troop morale.
During the visit, he met with troops and commanders and ordered the immediate reinforcement of personnel and deployment of additional equipment to sustain counter-terrorism operations in the affected areas.
The army added that coordinated ground and air operations are ongoing to track down the attackers, dismantle regrouping terrorist cells and rescue civilians who may have been abducted during the attacks.
It urged members of the public to disregard what it described as exaggerated reports that could undermine the morale of troops engaged in the fight against insurgency.
“The Nigerian Army assures Nigerians that it will maintain the operational momentum until all terrorist elements are completely neutralised,” the statement added.
Quick Read
Comments