The Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has debunked reports circulating on some television stations and social media platforms alleging heavy casualties during a recent terrorist attack on troops in Benisheikh.
The military described the reports as false, misleading and highly exaggerated, noting that the narratives were amplified with unrelated pictures and videos intended to distort facts and undermine public confidence.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Sani Uba, a Lieutenant Colonel, the command refuted claims that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during the incident.
He said the official report earlier released through the Defence Headquarters Nigeria confirmed that two officers and two soldiers lost their lives during the engagement.
“Any contrary figure being circulated is entirely false, misleading and devoid of credibility,” he said.
Uba also dismissed insinuations that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable during the attack.
According to him, the commander operated from a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised during intense combat while he coordinated counter-assault operations.
He explained that the situation reflected the intensity of the engagement and the presence of leadership at a critical point, rather than equipment failure.
The spokesman further noted that pictures and videos being circulated in connection with the incident were unrelated to the Benisheikh attack and deliberately misrepresented to reinforce false narratives.
He urged members of the public to disregard such content, warning that spreading unverified information could create unnecessary panic and undermine ongoing military operations.
Uba said the Nigerian military frowned at attempts to distort operational facts or exploit security incidents for propaganda or personal gains.
He added that troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled the attack, maintained control of their location and forced the terrorists into a disorganised retreat.
According to him, the failed assault underscores sustained pressure on terrorist elements and the growing combat effectiveness of troops across the North-East theatre.
He advised the public to rely on official communication channels of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for verified information on military operations and to avoid sharing unverified reports.
