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Clarifies Claims
- Safiu Kehinde
The Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has debunked the reported death of a Brigadier-General during the attack on a military camp in Benisheikh, Borno state, by terrorists.
NPO Reported that the insurgents had on Thursday launched a coordinated attack on the military base.
While the troops neutralised some of the terrorists in the foiled attack, they however recorded casualties with the Defence Headquarters confirming the death of some personnel.
However, several reports in circulation suggested that a Brigadier-General, O. Braimah, was killed alongside 17 other personnel during the attack.
Reacting in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Lt. Col. Uba Sani, the OPHK refuted the claims, labelling them as false, misleading, and highly exaggerated
Uba maintained that the narratives, often amplified with unrelated pictures and videos, are not only inaccurate but constitute a deliberate attempt to distort facts, undermine ongoing military operations and erode public confidence.
The Army spokesperson clarified that only two officers and two soldiers were killed in the attack while the said Brigadier-General was largely directing the soldiers’ counter-attack on the insurgents from a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised in the heat of combat.
“OPHK categorically refutes the claim that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, lost their lives during the incident.
“The official and verified report, as earlier released through Defence Headquarters, clearly stated that 2 officers and 2 soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement.
“Any contrary figure being circulated is entirely false, misleading, and devoid of credibility.
“The insinuation that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable is equally incorrect.
“The Commander was mounted on a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised in the heat of combat while he was actively coordinating the counter-assault.
“This reflects the intensity of the engagement and the presence of leadership at the decisive point, not any equipment failure.” He said.
Uba noted that the pictures and videos being circulated in connection with the incident are unrelated to the Benisheikh attack and are being deliberately misrepresented to reinforce false narratives.
He urged the public to disregard such content, which, according to him, is clearly intended to misinform and create unnecessary panic.
Uba also expressed the army’s displeasure with those using the incident to score political points as he reiterated that the attack was successfully repelled with the terrorists forced to retreat.
“The Nigerian military strongly frowns at the distortion of operational facts and the use of such unfortunate incident for personal/political gains or propaganda.
“Such actions not only mislead the public but also diminish the sacrifices, courage, and professionalism of officers and men who continue to risk their lives daily in the defence of the nation.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains professional and committed solely to their constitutional mandate.
“It is pertinent to reiterate that troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled the attack, maintained control of their location, and forced the terrorists into a disorganised retreat.
“The failed assault underscores the sustained pressure on terrorist elements and the growing combat effectiveness of troops across the Theatre.” He said.
The army spokesperson affirmed that the military remains the only credible source of verified information on its operations and will continue to provide timely and accurate updates through official channels.
He charged members of the public to rely on such sources and refrain from spreading unverified information.