Military Disputes Claim of 40 Troops Slain by Militants in Borno

The Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force North East 'Operation HADIN KAI', has refuted a report claiming that over 40 soldiers were killed in multiple Boko Haram attacks in Borno State.

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This dismissal was made in a statement issued by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East 'Operation HADIN KAI', on Saturday night.

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The statement noted that the report in question, which alleged the deaths of over 40 soldiers, relies heavily on unverified sources and presents a distorted account of the incident, failing to acknowledge the bravery of troops who defended communities against terrorist attacks.

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The attacks occurred when remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, who had been dislodged from the Sambisa Forest during previous military operations, regrouped and launched coordinated night attacks on multiple communities and troop locations around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok, and Jakana.

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Troops responded swiftly to the attacks, fighting gallantly to repel the terrorists and protect the affected communities, resulting in the neutralization of a number of terrorists.

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Unfortunately, a Commanding Officer and several brave soldiers lost their lives while courageously confronting the attackers and preventing further devastation on other communities.

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Contrary to the report, the troops were not overrun, but instead engaged the terrorists from multiple fronts to protect innocent civilians and restore normalcy.

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The terrorists' use of indiscriminate explosives and heavy gunfire regrettably resulted in civilian casualties, as many residents were caught in the crossfire created by the terrorists' reckless actions.

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Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri, where he met with troops and commanders to reassess the operational situation and strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

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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.

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The Nigerian Army remains committed to decisively dealing with the terrorists and ensuring that such attacks are thwarted, with coordinated ground and air operations currently ongoing to pursue the fleeing terrorists and rescue civilians who may have been abducted.

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The Army has urged the public to disregard exaggerated and misleading reports aimed at undermining the morale of troops who continue to make enormous sacrifices in defense of the nation.

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The Nigerian Army has assured Nigerians that it will maintain the operational momentum until all terrorist elements are completely neutralized, according to Lt. Col. Sani Uba.