The Nigerian Army has strongly dismissed media reports alleging that more than 40 soldiers were killed in recent terrorist assaults in Borno State, labelling the claims as misleading, exaggerated, and drawn from unverified sources.
The rebuttal came in response to a publication by a media outlet detailing heavy military casualties during coordinated attacks by Boko Haram remnants on communities and military positions in the region.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, the army described the report as presenting a distorted narrative that overlooked the gallantry of troops who successfully defended affected areas against the assaults.
The statement explained that the attacks were launched by Boko Haram elements previously dislodged from Sambisa Forest through sustained military offensives. The insurgents regrouped and carried out coordinated night raids from multiple directions, targeting communities and troop locations around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok, and Jakana.
“Troops on the ground responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the terrorists and defend the affected communities,” the army said.
While acknowledging the loss of life, the military confirmed that a commanding officer and some soldiers paid the supreme price during the fierce confrontations, which prevented greater devastation. It rejected assertions that troops were overwhelmed or overrun, insisting they engaged the attackers determinedly from multiple fronts to protect civilians and restore order.
The army noted that the terrorists employed explosives and heavy gunfire in the night assaults, resulting in civilian casualties from crossfire.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri to assess the situation, meet with troops and commanders, and bolster ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. He directed immediate reinforcements, additional equipment deployment to affected areas, and sustained momentum against the fleeing insurgents.
Coordinated ground and air operations continue to pursue the attackers, dismantle regrouping elements, and rescue any abducted civilians.
The army urged the public to disregard sensationalised reports that could undermine troop morale, assuring Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to neutralising all terrorist threats.
“Operation Hadin Kai remains firmly in control of the battlespace and will maintain operational momentum until all terrorist elements are completely neutralised,” the statement concluded.
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