ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigerian Army on Saturday dismissed claims that more than 40 soldiers were killed during recent terrorist attacks in parts of Borno State, describing the report as misleading and based on unverified sources.
The military’s reaction followed a report by Sahara Reporters alleging heavy casualties among troops during coordinated attacks on communities in the troubled North-East state.
In a statement released by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the army said the account circulating online distorted the actual events and ignored the efforts of soldiers who repelled the attackers and protected vulnerable communities.
According to the statement, the attacks were launched by remnants of Boko Haram fighters who had earlier been forced out of the 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 read.
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The military explained that the assaults targeted communities and troop positions around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana in Borno State.
Troops stationed in the affected areas, it said, mounted a swift and determined response to repel the insurgents.
“The troops on the ground responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the terrorists and defend the affected communities,” the statement added.
While rejecting claims of massive troop losses, the army acknowledged that the fierce engagements led to casualties on both sides.
“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 faulted reports suggesting that the terrorists overwhelmed its troops 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 stated.
According to the army, the insurgents carried out the attacks at night using explosives and heavy gunfire, a situation that also led to civilian casualties after some residents were caught in the crossfire.
The statement added that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, had visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri to assess the situation firsthand and interact with troops and commanders.
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“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,” it said.
The army further disclosed that coordinated ground and air operations were ongoing to track down the attackers, dismantle regrouping insurgent elements and rescue civilians who may have been abducted during the assaults.
It also urged members of the public to disregard what it described as exaggerated reports capable of undermining the morale of troops engaged in the counter-insurgency fight.
“The Nigerian Army assures Nigerians that it will maintain the operational momentum until all terrorist elements are completely neutralised,” the statement added.