The Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has dismissed as false and exaggerated reports circulating in parts of the media regarding the recent terrorist attack on troops in Benisheikh, Borno State.
In a statement issued by the Joint Task Force (North East), the military expressed concern over what it described as misleading narratives, often accompanied by unrelated images and videos, aimed at distorting facts and undermining public confidence in ongoing operations.
OPHK specifically debunked claims that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed in the incident. It clarified that verified reports from Defence Headquarters confirmed that two officers and two soldiers lost their lives during the engagement.
The military also refuted allegations that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable, stating that he was operating from a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised during the intensity of the battle while he coordinated counter-operations.
According to the statement, the circulated visuals linked to the attack are unrelated and deliberately misrepresented to reinforce false claims, urging the public to disregard such content.
While condemning the spread of misinformation for political or personal motives, the military stressed that such actions diminish the sacrifices and professionalism of troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations.
It reaffirmed that troops successfully repelled the attack, maintained control of their position, and forced the insurgents into a disorganised retreat, underscoring what it described as growing operational effectiveness in the theatre.
The Armed Forces advised the public to rely only on official channels for verified information and to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports.
