The Nigerian Army has dismissed a report 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 reaction followed a report by the news platform Sahara Reporters alleging heavy military casualties during coordinated assaults on several communities in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sani Uba, said the report presented what the army described as a distorted account of the incident and failed to acknowledge the actions of troops who defended communities against the attackers.
According to the army, the assaults were carried out by remnants of Boko Haram fighters who had previously been forced out of the Sambisa Forest during sustained military operations.
“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 stressed the attacks targeted communities and troop positions around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana.
It said troops responded quickly to the assaults and engaged the attackers in several locations.
“The troops on the ground responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the terrorists and defend the affected communities,” the statement added.
The army stated that several insurgents were killed during the fighting but confirmed that a commanding officer and a number of soldiers also died while confronting the attackers.
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“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 rejected claims that its forces had been 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 added that the attackers used explosives and heavy gunfire during the night assaults, leading to civilian casualties after some residents were caught in the crossfire.
It also said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, had visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri to meet troops and commanders and review the security situation.
During the visit, he ordered the reinforcement of troops and the deployment of additional equipment to areas affected by the attacks.
“Coordinated ground and air operations are ongoing to pursue the attackers, dismantle their regrouping elements and rescue civilians who may have been abducted during the attacks,” the statement said.
The army urged the public to disregard what it described as exaggerated reports that could affect the morale of troops.