Contrary to circulating claims of massive troop losses in Ngoshe, Borno State, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, says forces successfully defended the area with only a limited number of fatalities.
Shuaibu made the clarification on Saturday during a one-day visit to Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, where he assessed the impact of Boko Haram attacks on lives, vehicles, and equipment.
“The claim that 40 soldiers were killed in Ngoshe is false”, he said, noting that the report relied on “unverified sources from other security agencies in the state”. During a three-hour meeting at the Theatre Command and Control Centre, it was confirmed that only a few soldiers, including their commanding officer, died defending the border community with Cameroon.
Shuaibu condemned the distorted reports, highlighting the bravery of troops who also defended Konduga, Mainok, Jakana, and other nearby communities against coordinated terrorist assaults. He added that remnants of Boko Haram, previously dislodged from the Sambisa Forest, had launched night attacks, which were met with swift and effective military response. Over 50 terrorists were neutralized during the operations.
While acknowledging the deaths of a Commanding Officer and some soldiers, the CoAS emphasized that their actions prevented further destruction of lives, vehicles, and equipment. “Our troops were not overrun”, he said, “they engaged terrorists from multiple fronts to protect civilians and restore normalcy”.
Shuaibu explained that terrorists used indiscriminate explosives and heavy night gunfire, which tragically caused some civilian casualties.
During his visit to Maiduguri, the CoAS met troops and commanders, reassessed the operational situation, and reinforced counter-terrorism strategies. He ordered the immediate deployment of additional troops and equipment to maintain pressure on fleeing terrorists.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in decisively confronting terrorists and ensuring such attacks are thwarted”, he said, adding that coordinated ground and air operations are ongoing to dismantle terrorist elements and rescue abducted civilians.
The public has been urged to disregard exaggerated and misleading reports that could undermine the morale of troops risking their lives to defend the nation.
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