Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) on Friday said two officers and two soldiers including Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, died in the terrorists’ invasion of the location of 29 Task Force Brigade headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.
But it did not list the names, appointments or ranks of the officers and soldiers who died in the incident.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while leading the nation in mourning the fallen heroes on Thursday night said: “I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State.
“The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.”
Stating that the Nigerian Army frowns at the “distortion of operational facts and the use of such unfortunate incident for personal/political gains or propaganda,” HQ OPHK, in a statement by its Spokesperson on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, raised “serious concern the circulation of false, misleading and highly exaggerated reports.”
It said that reports on the alleged “death of 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander” in “the recent foiled terrorist attack on troops’ location” is distorted.
According to the OPHK statement, “These narratives, often amplified with unrelated pictures and videos, are not only inaccurate but constitute a deliberate attempt to distort facts, undermine ongoing military operations and erode public confidence.
“OPHK categorically refutes the claim that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, lost their lives during the incident. The official and verified report, as earlier released through Defence Headquarters, clearly stated that 2 officers and 2 soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement. Any contrary figure being circulated is entirely false, misleading, and devoid of credibility.
“The insinuation that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable is equally incorrect. The Commander was mounted on a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised in the heat of combat while he was actively coordinating the counter-assault. This reflects the intensity of the engagement and the presence of leadership at the decisive point, not any equipment failure.
“Furthermore, the pictures and videos being circulated in connection with the incident are unrelated to the Benisheikh attack and are being deliberately misrepresented to reinforce false narratives. The public is urged to disregard such content, which is clearly intended to misinform and create unnecessary panic.
“The Nigerian military strongly frowns at the distortion of operational facts and the use of such unfortunate incident for personal/political gains or propaganda. Such actions not only mislead the public but also diminish the sacrifices, courage, and professionalism of officers and men who continue to risk their lives daily in the defence of the nation. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains professional and committed solely to their constitutional mandate.
“It is pertinent to reiterate that troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled the attack, maintained control of their location, and forced the terrorists into a disorganised retreat. The failed assault underscores the sustained pressure on terrorist elements and the growing combat effectiveness of troops across the Theatre.
“The military remains the only credible source of verified information on its operations and will continue to provide timely and accurate updates through official channels. Members of the public are therefore advised to rely on such sources and refrain from spreading unverified information.”
