Nigerian Army Speaks On Dozens Of Soldiers Killed In Borno Terrorist Attacks
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 publication as misleading and based on unverified sources.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Army said the report by Sahara Reporters presented a distorted account of the incident and failed to acknowledge the gallant efforts of troops who defended communities against coordinated terrorist assaults.
According to the statement, the attacks occurred when remnants of Boko Haram terrorists who had earlier been dislodged from the Sambisa Forest during sustained military offensives regrouped and launched coordinated night attacks on vulnerable communities and military positions around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana areas of Borno State.
The Army said troops on ground responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the attackers while protecting affected communities.
During the intense engagements, several terrorists were neutralised. However, the military confirmed that a Commanding Officer and some soldiers lost their lives while bravely confronting the attackers.
The Army stressed that troops were not overrun as suggested in the report, noting that soldiers engaged the terrorists from multiple fronts in a determined effort to defend civilians and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
The statement also revealed that the terrorists used indiscriminate explosives and heavy gunfire during the attacks, which unfortunately led to civilian casualties as some residents were caught in the crossfire.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri where he met with troops and commanders to review the operational situation and strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
During the visit, the Army Chief directed the immediate reinforcement of troops and deployment of additional equipment to the affected areas to sustain operations against the terrorists.
The Nigerian Army said coordinated ground and air operations are currently ongoing to pursue fleeing terrorists, dismantle their regrouping elements and rescue civilians who may have been abducted during the attacks.
It urged members of the public to disregard exaggerated reports capable of undermining the morale of troops who continue to make sacrifices in defence of the nation.
The Army assured Nigerians that it remains committed to maintaining operational momentum until all terrorist elements are completely neutralised.
