Troops of Operation HADIN KAI under the Nigerian Army have dismissed viral claims that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during a clash with insurgents in Benisheikh.
In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba described the reports as false and aimed at undermining the military.
According to the official account, four personnel, two officers and two soldiers lost their lives during the encounter.
“OPHK categorically refutes the claim 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,” it said.
The Army also dismissed claims about the Brigade Commander’s vehicle, stating it was not faulty but a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle that became temporarily immobilised during the battle.
It added that images and videos circulating online in relation to the incident are unrelated and have been misrepresented to spread false narratives.
The military urged the public to ignore such content, warning that it is intended to mislead and cause unnecessary panic, while condemning the distortion of facts for propaganda or political purposes.
