Army Reveals True Benisheikh Battle Story, Debunks Claims On Brigadier-General’s Vehicle

The Nigerian military has pushed back strongly against what it described as “false, misleading and highly exaggerated reports” surrounding the recent terrorist attack on troops in Benisheikh, insisting that the true account of the encounter reflects both operational control and the resilience of its forces.

In a statement issued by the Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI, the military said it had “noted with serious concern the circulation of false, misleading and highly exaggerated reports across some television stations and social media platforms” following the foiled attack, warning that such narratives were deliberately skewed to distort facts and undermine ongoing operations.

According to the statement, widely circulated claims that as many as 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed in the incident are “entirely false, misleading, and devoid of credibility.”

The military clarified that “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.”

The military also addressed claims regarding the condition of the Brigade Commander’s vehicle, describing reports that it was unserviceable as inaccurate.

It explained that “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, it noted, “reflects the intensity of the engagement and the presence of leadership at the decisive point, not any equipment failure.”

Raising alarm over the use of unrelated visuals to push false narratives, the statement added that “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 was urged to disregard such content, which it described as being “clearly intended to misinform and create unnecessary panic.”

The military further condemned attempts to exploit the incident, stating that it “strongly frowns at the distortion of operational facts and the use of such unfortunate incident for personal/political gains or propaganda.”

It warned that 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.”

Reaffirming its commitment, the Armed Forces stressed that it “remains professional and committed solely to their constitutional mandate,” even as it continues to confront terrorist threats in the North-East theatre.

Providing insight into the actual outcome of the encounter, the military maintained that troops of Operation HADIN KAI “successfully repelled the attack, maintained control of their location, and forced the terrorists into a disorganised retreat.”

It added that the “failed assault underscores the sustained pressure on terrorist elements and the growing combat effectiveness of troops across the theatre.”

The statement concluded with a call for responsible information sharing, noting that “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,” while urging members of the public to “refrain from spreading unverified information.”