The Nigerian Army has clarified reports surrounding the death of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah during a terrorist ambush in Borno State.
It dismissed claims that the officer died due to a faulty vehicle during the attack on a military base in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area.
The Army also rejected reports alleging that 17 soldiers were killed, insisting that only four personnel lost their lives.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, described the circulating reports as false and misleading.
“These narratives, often amplified with unrelated pictures and videos, are not only inaccurate but constitute a deliberate attempt to distort facts, undermine ongoing military operations and erode public confidence,” he said.
He clarified that official figures confirmed the death of two officers and two soldiers during the incident.
“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,” he stated.
Uba also denied claims that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was defective, explaining that he was operating from a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle that was temporarily immobilised during the battle.
“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,” he said.
He added that the situation was due to intense combat conditions, not equipment failure.
The Army further stated that images and videos being circulated online were unrelated to the incident and deliberately misleading.
It urged the public to disregard such content, warning that it was intended to spread misinformation and cause panic.
Uba also confirmed that troops successfully repelled the attack and maintained control of their position, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.
Earlier reports indicated that terrorists attacked the military base in Benisheikh, with local sources claiming the assault lasted for hours and resulted in the destruction of military equipment.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu had extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, including General Braimah, confirming his death during the incident.
