The Headquarters Operation Hadin Kai has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media regarding the recent terrorist attack on troops in Benisheikh, Borno State.
In a statement issued by the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East) on Friday, the military expressed concern over what it described as exaggerated and inaccurate narratives being spread across some television stations and social media platforms.
The operation debunked claims that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during the incident.
According to official figures earlier released by the Defence Headquarters, only two officers and two soldiers lost their lives in the course of the engagement.
It also dismissed reports suggesting that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable.
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“The Nigerian military strongly frowns at the distortion of operational facts and the use of such unfortunate incident 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,” the statement read.
The military clarified that the commander was operating from a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised during intense combat while he coordinated a counter-assault.
According to the statement, the situation reflected the intensity of the battle and demonstrated leadership presence on the frontline rather than any form of equipment failure.
The military further noted that images and videos being circulated online in connection with the incident were unrelated to the Benisheikh attack and had been deliberately misrepresented to spread false narratives and create panic.
Operation Hadin Kai condemned the distortion of operational facts, warning that such misinformation undermines ongoing military efforts and diminishes the sacrifices and professionalism of troops engaged in counterinsurgency operations.
The statement reaffirmed that troops successfully repelled the attack, maintained control of their location, and forced the terrorists into a disorganised retreat, highlighting what it described as growing combat effectiveness in the theatre of operations.
The military urged the public to rely only on verified information from official sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports capable of causing unnecessary fear or confusion.
