Army Debunks Claim of 17 Soldiers Killed in Benisheikh Attack

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during a clash with insurgents in Benisheikh, Borno State.

The military described the claims as false and a deliberate attempt to discredit its operations in the North-East.

In a statement, the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Sani Uba, clarified that only two officers and two soldiers lost their lives during the engagement.

“OPHK categorically refutes the claim, noting that the official and verified report, as earlier released through Defence Headquarters, clearly stated that two officers and two soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement,” the statement said.

The Army also dismissed claims that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable, explaining that he was operating in a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was only temporarily immobilised during the heat of battle while coordinating the counter-attack.

It further noted that images and videos being circulated in relation to the incident are not connected to the Benisheikh attack, accusing those sharing them of deliberately misrepresenting facts to push false narratives.

The military urged the public to disregard such content, warning that it is intended to misinform and create unnecessary panic.

The statement also condemned the distortion of operational facts and the exploitation of the incident for personal, political, or propaganda purposes, stressing that such actions undermine the sacrifices and professionalism of troops engaged in defending the country.