The Nigerian Army has refuted reports surrounding the death of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, insisting that he did not die due to the use of an unserviceable vehicle during the recent attack on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State.
The Army also dismissed claims that 17 soldiers were killed in the incident, clarifying that only four personnel lost their lives.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Media Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, described circulating reports as false, misleading, and exaggerated.
He said such narratives, often accompanied by unrelated images and videos, were aimed at distorting facts, undermining military operations, and eroding public confidence.
According to Uba, the verified casualty figure shows that two officers and two soldiers died during the attack, stressing that any higher figures being circulated are inaccurate and lack credibility.
He also debunked claims that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was faulty, explaining that Braimah was operating in a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.
The spokesperson noted that the vehicle was only temporarily immobilised during the intense exchange of fire as the commander coordinated counter-operations, and not due to any mechanical failure.
Uba further stated that troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled the attack, maintained control of their position, and forced the insurgents to retreat.
He urged the public to disregard misleading content linked to the incident, warning that such materials were deliberately circulated to spread misinformation and panic.
The attack on the military base in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, had earlier drawn attention following reports that insurgents operated for hours and destroyed military equipment.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, including Brigadier General Braimah, confirming his death in the line of duty.
