By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Army has clarified circumstances surrounding recent terrorist attacks on some communities in Borno State, dismissing reports that over 40 soldiers were killed during the incidents.
Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, made the clarification in a statement on Saturday.
According to him, the report relied on unverified sources and presented a distorted account of the attacks while ignoring the gallant efforts of troops who defended affected communities.
“The report relied largely on unverified sources and presents a distorted account of the incident while failing to reflect the gallant efforts of troops who bravely defended communities against coordinated terrorist assaults,” he said.
Uba explained that the attacks occurred when remnants of Boko Haram terrorists earlier dislodged from the Sambisa Forest regrouped and launched coordinated night assaults on communities and troop locations around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana.
He said troops on ground responded swiftly and engaged the terrorists in intense battles.
“The troops on ground responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the terrorists and defend the affected communities. During the intense engagements, a number of terrorists were neutralised,” he said.
He, however, noted that the operation recorded casualties among the troops.
“Sadly, a Commanding Officer and some brave soldiers paid the supreme price while courageously confronting the attackers and preventing further devastation on other communities,” he added.
Uba stressed that the troops were not overrun as claimed in the report but fought from multiple fronts to defend civilians.
He also noted that the attackers used indiscriminate explosives and heavy night gunfire which resulted in civilian casualties.
The spokesman further disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri to reassess the operational situation and strengthen counter-terrorism operations.
“During the visit, he directed the immediate reinforcement of troops and deployment of additional equipment to sustain the momentum against the fleeing terrorists,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that coordinated ground and air operations are ongoing to pursue fleeing terrorists and dismantle their regrouping elements.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute and committed to decisively dealing with the terrorists,” he stated.