Army Clears The Air On Attack By Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army said that their attention had been drawn to news making the rounds alleging attack on soldiers and capturing of military vehicles by Boko Haram in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

In a statement released by Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, Director Army Public Relations, the Nigerian Army stated categorically that the report was not only untrue but misleading as the said report was blown out of proportion by the media.

“Contrary to the report, the Nigerian Army wishes to put the record straight on the issue and assure members of the public particularly residents of the North East to disregard the report as their safety is guaranteed. The Nigeria Army wishes to state that there was an attempted attack on troops at Kwakwa and Chingori communities in Bama area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram terrorists as a result of difficult terrain where our vehicles bugged down.  The terrorists also attempted to cart away troops operational vehicles, but were successfully repelled by our gallant troops with the support of the Nigerian Air Force”

“About 22 members of Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. Efforts are being intensified by the troops to get the fleeing members of the Boko Haram terrorists. Unfortunately, one officer and a soldier sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at the military medical facility”

“While the Nigerian Army would not join issues with the media, certain facts must be reported with caution particularly now that numerous successes have been recorded by the troops in the fight against insurgency” Brigadier General Texas Chukwu said.

The members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the report and go about their legitimate businesses as the Nigerian Army is on top of the situation.

The Director of Army Public Relations concluded by saying that it is their well-thought-out opinion that in future, media practitioners should endeavour to verify facts from the appropriate military authority before rushing to the press.