Nigerian Army Refutes Report of 40 Soldiers Killed in Borno Attacks

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian Army has refuted reports claiming that more than 40 soldiers were killed during recent terrorist attacks on communities in Borno State, describing the account as inaccurate and misleading.

According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, the report by Sahara Reporters relied on unverified sources and presented a distorted account of the incident, failing to reflect the efforts of troops who defended several communities against coordinated attacks by insurgents.

The statement said the attacks occurred when remnants of Boko Haram fighters, earlier dislodged from the Sambisa Forest during sustained military operations, regrouped and launched coordinated night assaults on communities and troop locations around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana.

Troops were said to have responded swiftly, engaging the attackers and killing several insurgents during the clashes. However, the army confirmed that a commanding officer and some soldiers were killed while confronting the attackers and preventing further damage to surrounding communities.

The army also rejected claims that its troops were overrun, stating that soldiers engaged the insurgents from several directions while trying to protect civilians. It added that the attackers used explosives and heavy gunfire at night, which led to civilian casualties after residents were caught in the crossfire.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has since visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri where he met with troops and commanders and ordered reinforcement of personnel and equipment to the affected areas.

The army said ground and air operations were continuing to pursue the fleeing insurgents, dismantle regrouping fighters and rescue civilians who may have been abducted during the attacks. It also urged the public to disregard what it described as exaggerated reports that could undermine the morale of troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations.