The Nigerian Army troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have debunked claims and reports on social media that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, lost their lives during an exchange of fire between troops and insurgents in Benisheikh.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, in a statement, described the reports as false and a calculated attempt to discredit the troops.
According to the statement, two officers and two soldiers lost their lives during the incident.
“OPHK categorically refutes the claim that the official and verified report, as earlier released through Defence Headquarters, clearly stated that two officers and two soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement,” it said.
It said the insinuation that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable is equally incorrect, adding that 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.
It further said 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.
The statement urged the public to disregard such content, which is clearly intended to misinform and create unnecessary panic.
It frowned at the distortion of operational facts and the use of such an unfortunate incident for personal or political gains or propaganda, adding that 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 defence of the nation.
