The Nigerian Army has rejected recent claims suggesting heavy casualties among troops in Borno State, calling the reports inaccurate and misleading.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, spokesperson for the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, clarified that the accounts ignored the efforts of soldiers who successfully repelled a series of coordinated assaults by Boko Haram remnants.
According to Uba via a statement obtained by ENigeria Newspaper, insurgents, previously pushed out of Sambisa Forest, staged nighttime attacks from multiple directions targeting communities and military positions in Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok, and Jakana. Troops responded swiftly, engaging in intense firefights and securing the areas.
“Several terrorists were neutralised during the operations,” Uba stated.
“Unfortunately, a Commanding Officer and some soldiers lost their lives defending civilians and preventing further destruction.”
He stressed that soldiers were not overwhelmed, countering claims that suggested otherwise, and that the insurgents’ use of explosives and heavy gunfire at night contributed to some civilian injuries, but the military maintained control.
ENigeria Newspaper also gathered that the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, visited Maiduguri to review the situation and ordered reinforcements and additional equipment to maintain pressure on fleeing insurgents.
Ground and air operations continue to track and dismantle regrouping Boko Haram elements, while efforts are underway to rescue any civilians who may have been kidnapped during the attacks.
Uba urged the public to ignore sensational reports that could damage the morale of troops committed to restoring stability in the North-East.
“The Nigerian Army remains determined to confront terrorist threats until lasting peace returns to the region,” he added.
