Army Denies Reports Of 40 Soldiers Killed In Borno Attacks

The Nigerian Army has denied a media report that over 40 soldiers were killed during the recent terrorist attacks in parts of Borno State.

The Army said the report, which relied largely on unverified sources, presents a distorted account of the incident and failed to reflect the gallant efforts of troops who bravely defended communities against coordinated terrorist assaults.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday by the media information officer of “Operation Hadin Kai” Joint Taskforce, Lt Col Sani Uba, in Maiduguri, he said, “The Nigerian Army has noted with concern a report published by Sahara Reporters alleging that over 40 soldiers were killed during recent terrorist attacks in parts of Borno State.

“The report, which relied largely on unverified sources, presents a distorted account of the incident and fails to reflect the gallant efforts of troops who bravely defended communities against coordinated terrorist assaults.”

Uba said the attacks on the multiple communities occurred when remnants of the 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 on vulnerable communities and troops’ locations around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana general areas.

He said the troops on the ground responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the terrorists and defended the affected communities, adding that 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 in other communities.

“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 attackers also employed indiscriminate explosives and heavy nightgunfire, which regrettably resulted in civilian casualties, as many residents were caught in the crossfire created by the terrorists’ reckless actions.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has since visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri, where he met with troops and commanders to reassess the operational situation and strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

“During the visit, he directed the immediate reinforcement of troops and deployment of additional equipment to the affected areas to sustain the momentum against the fleeing terrorists,” Uba added.

He said the Nigerian Army remains resolute and committed to decisively dealing with the terrorists and ensuring that such attacks are decisively thwarted.

The statement added that the coordinated ground and air operations are currently ongoing to pursue the fleeing terrorists, dismantle their regrouping elements and rescue civilians who may have been abducted during the attacks.

Uba urged members of the public to disregard exaggerated and misleading reports aimed at undermining the morale of troops who continue to make enormous sacrifices in defence of the nation.

“The Nigerian Army assures Nigerians that it will maintain the operational momentum until all terrorist elements are completely neutralised,” he said.