Dare Babalola
The Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating in parts of the media and on social platforms regarding a recent terrorist attack on troops in Benisheikh, Borno State, insisting that the situation has been grossly misrepresented.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the military expressed concern over what it described as “highly exaggerated” accounts of the incident, warning that such narratives were capable of undermining ongoing counter-insurgency operations and eroding public trust.
According to the statement, contrary to widespread claims that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during the attack, only four personnel lost their lives.
“OPHK categorically refutes the claim that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, lost their lives during the incident. The official and verified report 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 statement said.
The military also debunked reports suggesting that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle broke down during the encounter, clarifying that the commander was actively leading troops from a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was only temporarily immobilised due to the intensity of the combat.
“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, not any equipment failure,” Uba stated.
OPHK further accused some platforms of recycling unrelated images and videos to support false claims about the attack, urging members of the public to disregard such materials.
“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,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its professionalism, the Nigerian military condemned what it described as attempts to exploit the incident for propaganda or political gains, noting that such actions undermine the sacrifices of troops on the frontlines.
“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 statement noted.
The military maintained that troops successfully repelled the attack, retained control of their position, and forced the insurgents to retreat in disarray, describing the outcome as evidence of sustained operational pressure on terrorist groups in the North-East.
It also reiterated that the Armed Forces remain the only credible source of verified information on military operations, advising the public to rely on official updates and avoid spreading unverified reports.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to rely on such sources and refrain from spreading unverified information,” the statement concluded.
