The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports claiming more than 40 soldiers died in recent terrorist attacks in parts of Borno, describing the allegation as exaggerated and misleading.
Spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba stated this on Saturday and said the report ignored troops’ gallant efforts in repelling coordinated terrorist assaults on several North-East communities.
Uba said the attackers were remnants of Boko Haram earlier dislodged from Sambisa Forest who, he added, regrouped and launched coordinated night assaults from multiple directions on communities and military positions around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana.
He said the troops responded swiftly, engaging the insurgents in intense battles and successfully repelling the attackers while defending the affected communities.
He said: “During the engagements, several terrorists were neutralised.
“Sadly, a Commanding Officer and some brave soldiers paid the supreme price while courageously confronting the attackers and preventing devastation in other communities.”
Uba said the troops were not overrun as suggested in the report, adding that they fought from multiple fronts to protect civilians and restore normalcy.
He said the attackers used indiscriminate explosives and heavy night gunfire, leading to civilian casualties as some residents were caught in the crossfire.
Uba also disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, visited Maiduguri to assess the situation and strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
He said the army chief ordered immediate reinforcement of troops and deployment of additional equipment to sustain pressure on fleeing terrorists.
