‘4 killed’: Army debunks casualty figures, says troops repelled Benisheikh attack

The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports claiming that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during a recent terrorist attack in Benisheikh, Borno State,

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force in the North-East, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, in a statement issued on Friday, April 10, 2026, described the claims as false and misleading.

Uba said only four personnel – two officers and two soldiers – lost their lives during the foiled attack, contrary to exaggerated figures circulating across social media platforms.

Uba also refuted claims that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable, clarifying that he was operating in a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised during the intense combat while he coordinated counter-assault operations.

The army spokesman stated: “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.

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“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.”

Uba said despite the attack, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled the terrorists, maintained control of their position, and forced the assailants into a disorganised retreat.

“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,” the army spokesman added.