Breaking: Army insists no General killed, no 17 soldiers dead in Borno attack

The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on television and social media that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during the recent terrorist attack on troops’ location in Benisheikh, Borno State.

In a statement issued on 10 April 2026, OPHK stressed that these reports are not only inaccurate but constitute a deliberate attempt to distort facts, undermine ongoing military operations, and erode public confidence. The verified engagement report confirms that 2 officers and 2 soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the counter-assault.

The statement further clarified that claims of the Brigade Commander’s vehicle being unserviceable are incorrect.

The Commander was mounted on a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, temporarily immobilised only in the heat of combat while actively coordinating troop movements. Photographs and videos circulating in connection with the incident were unrelated to Benisheikh and are being misrepresented.

“The Nigerian military strongly frowns at the distortion of operational facts and the use of such incidents for personal or political gains. These actions mislead the public and diminish the sacrifices, courage, and professionalism of our officers and men,” the release stated.

OPHK reiterated that troops successfully repelled the attack, maintained control of their location, and forced terrorists into disorganised retreat, underscoring the growing combat effectiveness of forces in the region. The military urged the public to rely solely on official channels for verified information and refrain from spreading unverified content.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), OPHK, signed the statement, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to their constitutional mandate and professionalism in all operations.