Benisheikh Attack: Military Says Death Toll ‘Grossly Exaggerated’

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian military has refuted reports claiming heavy casualties on the soldiers during a recent attack on troops in Benisheikh, Borno State, insisting that the incident has been misrepresented.

According to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, claims that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed in the Benisheikh attack are false. The military said verified figures show that two officers and two soldiers died during the engagement, contrary to widely circulated reports.

The military also dismissed suggestions that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle had broken down during the attack. It said the commander was operating in a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised during intense fighting while he coordinated a counter-attack. Authorities described this as evidence of frontline leadership rather than equipment failure.

Officials further accused some media outlets and social media users of spreading misleading images and videos unrelated to the incident, warning that such content was being used to distort facts and create panic. The military said these narratives risk undermining ongoing operations and eroding public trust, urging the public to rely only on official updates.

Operation Hadin Kai said troops successfully repelled the attack and forced the assailants to retreat, maintaining control of their position. The military reiterated its commitment to professionalism and its constitutional role, warning against the politicisation or manipulation of security incidents while affirming that operations against insurgent groups would continue.