Nigerian Army Denies Social Media Reports of High Soldier Casualties in Benisheikh Clash
The Nigerian Army has firmly rejected social media claims that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during a recent exchange of fire with insurgents in Benisheikh, Borno State. In an official statement, the military described the reports as false and part of a deliberate effort to discredit its troops.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, clarified that the verified casualty figures stand at two officers and two soldiers. The statement emphasized that these figures were previously released through the Defence Headquarters and should not be misrepresented.
The military also dismissed allegations that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable during the operation. According to the statement, the Commander was operating from a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilized during intense combat while he coordinated a counter-assault.
Furthermore, the Army warned that images and videos circulating online in connection with the incident are unrelated to the Benisheikh attack. It accused certain parties of deliberately misrepresenting such content to reinforce false narratives and mislead the public.
The military urged citizens to disregard the misinformation, stressing that such distortions not only create unnecessary panic but also undermine the sacrifices and professionalism of soldiers risking their lives in defense of the nation. Authorities reiterated their commitment to transparency and called for responsible reporting to support ongoing security operations in the region.
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