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 account as misleading and based on unverified sources.
The military was reacting to a publication by Sahara Reporters which alleged that dozens of soldiers died during coordinated terrorist assaults on several communities in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Sani Uba, said the report presented a distorted account of the incident and failed to acknowledge the efforts of troops who defended communities against the attacks.
According to the army, the assaults were carried out by remnants of Boko Haram fighters who had earlier been dislodged from Sambisa Forest during sustained military offensives.
“The attacks on multiple communities occurred when remnants of 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,” the statement said.
The military said the attacks targeted communities and troop locations around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana.
“The troops on the ground responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the terrorists and defend the affected communities,” the statement added.
While noting that several terrorists were neutralised during the engagements, the army confirmed that a commanding officer and some soldiers were killed while confronting the attackers.
“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 statement said.
The military also rejected claims that its troops were overwhelmed during the attacks.
“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 statement said.
The army explained that the attackers used explosives and heavy gunfire during the night assault, which also resulted in civilian casualties after residents were caught in the crossfire.
It further disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, had visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri, where he met with troops and commanders to assess the situation and strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
During the visit, he reportedly ordered the immediate reinforcement of troops and deployment of additional equipment to the affected areas to sustain the offensive against the fleeing insurgents.
The army said coordinated ground and air operations are currently ongoing to pursue the attackers, dismantle their regrouping elements, and rescue civilians who may have been abducted during the attacks.
It also urged members of the public to disregard what it described as exaggerated reports capable of undermining the morale of troops.
“The Nigerian Army assures Nigerians that it will maintain the operational momentum until all terrorist elements are completely neutralised,” the statement added.