Military debunks reports of 17 deaths in Benisheikh attack, confirms four personnel killed as troops repel terrorists.
The Operation Hadin Kai has clarified that only four personnel—not 17 as widely reported—were killed during a foiled terrorist attack on troops in Benisheikh, Borno State.
In a statement issued by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the military described reports of higher casualties as false, misleading, and exaggerated.
According to the official account from the Defence Headquarters, the casualties comprised two officers and two s
oldiers. The command stressed that any figures beyond this are inaccurate and lack credibility.
The task force also dismissed claims that a Brigade Commander was killed or that his vehicle was unserviceable. It explained that the commander operated from a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was only temporarily immobilised during the intensity of the engagement as he coordinated the counter-attack.
It further noted that images and videos circulating online in connection with the incident are unrelated and have been deliberately misrepresented to support false narratives.
Operation Hadin Kai warned that the spread of misinformation could undermine ongoing military operations and erode public confidence, urging citizens to rely on verified information from official sources.
The military reaffirmed that troops successfully repelled the attack, maintained control of their position, and forced the terrorists to retreat.