April 10, (THEWILL) —
The Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has dismissed what it described as “false and exaggerated” reports on casualties from the recent terrorist attack in Benisheikh, Borno State, confirming that two officers and two soldiers were killed in action, contrary to widely circulated claims of higher fatalities, including that of a Brigadier-General.
In an official statement issued on Friday, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, expressed concern over what he described as deliberate attempts to distort facts, undermine military operations, and erode public confidence through the spread of unverified information.
“The Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI has noted with serious concern the circulation of false, misleading and highly exaggerated reports following the recent foiled terrorist attack on troops’ location in Benisheikh.
“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,” he said.
Providing clarity on the incident, the military emphasized that the official and verified casualty figure, as earlier released by the Defence Headquarters, remains two officers and two soldiers who paid the supreme price during the encounter.
“Operation HADIN KAI 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 two officers and two soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement. Any contrary figure being circulated is entirely false, misleading, and devoid of credibility,” Lt. Col. Uba stated.
The statement further debunked claims suggesting that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle had broken down during the attack, clarifying instead that the senior officer was actively leading the counter-assault from a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was only temporarily immobilised due to the intensity of the combat.
“The insinuation that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable is equally incorrect.
“The Commander was mounted on a high-grade 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 statement noted.
Reinforcing its position, the military also clarified that images and videos being circulated online in relation to the incident are not connected to the Benisheikh attack, but have been deliberately misrepresented to lend credibility to false narratives.
The public was therefore urged to disregard such content, which the military described as calculated efforts to misinform and create unnecessary panic.
Despite the unfortunate loss of four personnel, the Armed Forces highlighted the overall success of the operation, noting that troops of Operation HADIN KAI effectively repelled the attack, held their ground, and forced the insurgents into a disorganised retreat.
“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 statement added.
The military also cautioned against the politicisation of security incidents, warning that the distortion of operational facts for personal or political gain undermines the sacrifices and professionalism of personnel who continue to risk their lives daily in defence of the nation.
“The Nigerian military strongly frowns at the distortion of operational facts and the use of such unfortunate incident for personal or political gains or propaganda. Such actions not only mislead the public but also diminish the sacrifices, courage, and professionalism of officers and men,” Lt. Col. Uba said.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Armed Forces of Nigeria stressed that it remains the only credible source of verified information on military operations and will continue to provide timely and accurate updates through official channels.
The military also called on Nigerians to support ongoing operations by relying on verified information and refraining from spreading unconfirmed reports, particularly during sensitive engagements.
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