The Nigerian Army has refuted reports that about 7000 soldiers missing while more than 2000 were trapped after Boko Haram’s latest attack on Baga. Sahara Reporters broke the story of the soldiers allegedly missing after the terrorists’ attack.
Responding to the report, Army Spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, mni described the it as untrue.
Usman said “Our attention has been drawn to a news story with the headline “EXCLUSIVE: ‘About 700 Soldiers Missing, More Than 2,000 Trapped’ As Boko Haram Takes Over Baga” on Sahara Reporters website alleging that such number of soldiers were trapped and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) could not do anything to extricate them.
“This is not only untrue but a deliberate mischief on the part of the medium to create erroneous impression about the military and the concerted effort of the ongoing clearing and mop up operations in the general area.
“Therefore, no one could give accurate details of the encounter yet, as the troops have been reinforced and are busy with pursuit and mopping up operations against the terrorists.
The Army advised the online platform which broke the story “to be more responsible in its reportage and always cross check its facts before posting it on its website.
“The medium’s position is understandable because the reality on the ground does tally with an earlier scripted or expected narrative handed out by Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathizers as was the case in previous instance. We wish to reiterate that we shall keep the public informed of true position of things in the Theatre.”
As Army confirmed that the mop up operations over the attack on Baga have continued, Newsdiaryonline sources also said there is great concern about the situation in Baga because it is a strategic town for Nigeria and the Multinational Joint Task Force,MNJTF.
