LAGOS APRIL 11TH (NEWSRANGERS)-The Nigerian Army has dismissed what it described as “exaggerated reports” claiming that a brigade commander was killed during a terrorist attack in Benisheikh, Borno state, on Thursday morning.
In a statement on Thursday, Michael Onoja, director of defence media operations at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), said the “coordinated terrorist attack” occurred around 12:30 am.
Onoja said troops under the command of Oseni Braimah, a brigadier-general of the 29 brigade, responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” forcing the attackers to retreat “in disarray, abandoning their mission and leaving behind traces of their failed assault.”
Following the incident, reports emerged claiming that the brigadier-general was among those killed in the attack.
In a condolence message issued on Thursday night, President Bola Tinubu paid tributes to the officers and soldiers killed in the attack.
“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State,” Tinubu said in the statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, his spokesperson.
However, the army, in a statement issued on Friday by Sani Uba, media information officer at the headquarters joint task force (north east), Operation HADIN KAI, said reports alleging that 17 soldiers, including a brigade commander, died in the incident were inaccurate.
Uba did not disclose the identities of the officers and soldiers killed in the attack, but said the information that 17 personnel died is “entirely false, misleading, and devoid of credibility,”
He insisted that the official account, earlier released by Defence Headquarters, confirmed that only two officers and two soldiers were killed in the attack.
“These 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 statement reads.
“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.”
The army spokesperson added that images and videos circulating online in relation to the incident are not from the Benisheikh attack and are being deliberately misrepresented to support false claims.
He urged the public to disregard such materials, warning that they are intended to misinform and create unnecessary panic.
He also criticised the distortion of operational facts, warning against the exploitation of such incidents 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,” he added.
“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.
“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.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to rely on such sources and refrain from spreading unverified information.”
TheCable
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