By Nkechi Eze
The Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai has strongly refuted what it described as false, misleading and exaggerated reports circulating on some television stations and social media platforms regarding the recent foiled terrorist attack on troops in Benisheikh, insisting that the narratives being circulated are inaccurate and deliberately aimed at undermining ongoing military operations.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Sani Uba, the military expressed serious concern over what it called deliberate attempts to distort facts surrounding the incident.
The statement categorically dismissed claims that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during the attack, describing the reports as entirely false and lacking credibility.
According to the military, the official casualty figures had already been released by the Defence Headquarters, confirming that two officers and two soldiers paid the supreme price during the engagement.
“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,” the statement said.
Operation Hadin Kai also rejected claims suggesting that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable during the attack.
The military clarified that the commander was operating from a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle which was only temporarily immobilised during the intense combat while he actively coordinated the counter-assault.
According to the statement, the situation reflected the intensity of the engagement and demonstrated the presence of leadership at the decisive point of the battle rather than any equipment failure.
The military further noted that several 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.
It warned that the circulation of such materials is capable of misleading the public and creating unnecessary panic.
The Armed Forces also condemned attempts to exploit the incident for personal or political propaganda, noting that such actions undermine the sacrifices, courage and professionalism of officers and soldiers who continue to risk their lives in defence of the nation.
“The Nigerian military strongly frowns at the distortion of operational facts and the use of such unfortunate incidents for personal or political gains or propaganda,” the statement added.
Operation Hadin Kai reiterated that troops successfully repelled the terrorist attack, maintained control of their location and forced the attackers into a disorganised retreat.
The military said the failed assault highlights the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist elements and the growing combat effectiveness of troops across the theatre of operations.
While assuring Nigerians of the Armed Forces’ continued professionalism and commitment to their constitutional mandate, the military advised members of the public to rely only on verified updates released through official channels of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
It stressed that the military remains the only credible source of accurate information on its operations and warned against the spread of unverified reports capable of undermining national security efforts.
