Nigerian Army Debunks Report of 40 Soldiers Killed in Borno Attacks, Says Troops Repelled Terrorists

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 reports as exaggerated and misleading.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Army said the report, published by Sahara Reporters and based largely on unverified sources, presented a distorted account of the incidents.

According to the Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai Lieutenant Colonel, Sani Uba said that, the attacks occurred when remnants of Boko Haram terrorists who had earlier been dislodged from the Sambisa Forest regrouped and launched coordinated night assaults on several communities and troop locations.

The statement said the attacks targeted areas around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana in Borno State.
Troops deployed to the affected areas reportedly responded swiftly, engaging the terrorists in intense battles to defend the communities.

“During the 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 on other communities,” the Army said.

The military also rejected claims that its troops were overrun during the attacks, insisting that soldiers fought from multiple fronts to repel the terrorists and protect civilians.

It added that the attackers used indiscriminate explosives and heavy gunfire during the night assaults, which led to civilian casualties as residents were caught in the crossfire.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri to assess the situation and boost ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

During the visit, he met with troops and commanders and ordered the immediate reinforcement of personnel as well as the deployment of additional equipment to the affected areas.

The Army said coordinated ground and air operations are currently ongoing to pursue the fleeing terrorists, dismantle regrouping elements 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 capable of undermining the morale of troops.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining the ongoing operations until all terrorist elements are completely neutralised and peace is restored to affected communities