By Bavoriat Clara
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 claims as exaggerated and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba said the report, published by Sahara Reporters, relied largely on unverified sources and presented a distorted account of the incident, failing to reflect the bravery and sacrifice of troops who defended vulnerable communities during the attacks.
According to the statement, the attacks occurred when remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, who had earlier been dislodged from Sambisa Forest during sustained military offensives, regrouped and launched coordinated night assaults on communities and troop locations around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana.
Troops deployed to the affected areas were said to have responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the attackers and defend residents. During the intense engagements, several terrorists were neutralised. However, a Commanding Officer and some soldiers lost their lives while bravely confronting the attackers and preventing further destruction in nearby communities.
The Army explained that contrary to the claims in the report, troops were not overrun but engaged the terrorists from multiple fronts in a determined effort to protect civilians and restore normalcy. It added that the attackers used indiscriminate explosives and heavy night gunfire, which unfortunately led to civilian casualties as residents were caught in the crossfire.
Meanwhile, the Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri to assess the situation and boost the morale of troops. During the visit, he directed the immediate reinforcement of personnel and the deployment of additional equipment to sustain the ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to defeating terrorist elements, noting that coordinated ground and air operations are ongoing to pursue fleeing insurgents, dismantle their regrouping cells and rescue civilians who may have been abducted.
The Army also urged members of the public to disregard misleading reports aimed at undermining the morale of troops, assuring Nigerians that operations will continue until all terrorist elements are completely neutralised.
admin