Army Refutes Killing Of 17 Soldiers In Benesheik Attack

Nigerian Army has refuted claims that 17 soldiers were killed in the Benesheik attack, stating that only 2 officers and 2 soldiers died in the incident.

The attack, which occurred on April 9, 2026, was reportedly carried out by terrorists who launched a coordinated assault on the 29 Task Force Brigade camp in Benesheik , the headquarters of Kaga local government area of Borno State.

A statement issued to newsmen on Friday in Maiduguri by the media information officer Operation Hadin Kai ( OPHK ), Lt Col Sani Uba, said the official and verified report, as earlier released through Defence Headquarters, clearly stated that two officers and two soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement.

Uba said any contrary figure being circulated is entirely false, misleading, and devoid of credibility.

He said,” The Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has noted with serious concern the circulation of false, misleading and highly exaggerated reports across some television stations and social media platforms following the recent foiled terrorist attack on troops’ location in Benisheikh.

“These narratives, often amplified with unrelated pictures and videos, are not only inaccurate but constitute a deliberate attempt to distort facts, undermine ongoing military operations and erode public confidence.

“OPHK categorically refutes the claim that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, lost their lives during the incident. The official and verified report, as earlier released through Defence Headquarters, clearly stated that 2 officers and 2 soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement.

“Any contrary figure being circulated is entirely false, misleading, and devoid of credibility.”

Uba said the insinuation that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable is equally incorrect, adding that the Commander was mounted on a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised in the heat of combat while he was actively coordinating the counter-assault.

He said this reflects the intensity of the engagement and the presence of leadership at the decisive point, not any equipment failure.

Furthermore, he said the pictures and videos being circulated in connection with the incident are unrelated to the Benisheikh attack and are being deliberately misrepresented to reinforce false narratives.

He urged the public to disregard such content, which is clearly intended to misinform and create unnecessary panic.

The OPHK media information officer, added that the Nigerian military strongly frowns at the distortion of operational facts and the use of such unfortunate incident for personal/political gains or propaganda.

He said such actions not only mislead the public but also diminish the sacrifices, courage, and professionalism of officers and men who continue to risk their lives daily in the defence of the nation.

Uba said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains professional and committed solely to their constitutional mandate.

“It is pertinent to reiterate that troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled the attack, maintained control of their location, and forced the terrorists into a disorganised retreat. The failed assault underscores the sustained pressure on terrorist elements and the growing combat effectiveness of troops across the Theatre.

“The military remains the only credible source of verified information on its operations and will continue to provide timely and accurate updates through official channels.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to rely on such sources and refrain from spreading unverified information,” the statement added.