Military Debunks ‘17 Deaths’ in Benisheikh Attack, Confirms Four Soldiers Killed
The Nigerian military has dismissed reports claiming that up to 17 soldiers were killed in a recent terrorist attack on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State, confirming instead that four personnel died during the clash.
In an official clarification by Operation Hadin Kai, the military described earlier reports of higher casualties—including claims of a brigade commander’s death—as false and exaggerated. It stated that those killed were two officers and two soldiers.
The attack occurred during a coordinated assault by insurgents on a military formation in Benisheikh, a known hotspot in Nigeria’s northeast insurgency. Troops were able to repel the attackers after a gun battle, preventing further losses and forcing the militants to retreat.
Separately, credible international reports confirm that a senior army officer and other soldiers were killed in the broader attack, though exact casualty figures have varied and were not fully disclosed initially.
Military authorities urged the public and media to rely on verified updates, warning that misinformation about casualty figures can undermine morale and ongoing security operations.
The incident highlights the continued threat posed by insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP in northeastern Nigeria, where military bases and communities remain frequent targets despite sustained counterterrorism efforts.
