Nigerian Army on Thursday confirmed that 157 Task Force Battalion was attacked on Wednesday by the Boko Haram terrorists.
However, the Service insisted that the casualty recorded and loss of equipment being reported in the media are grossly exaggerated but declined to disclose any figure.
A statement issued by the Media Coordinator of Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Tukur Ismail Gusau reads in full:
“The attention of the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole was drawn to an online media publication saying troops of 157 Task Force Battalion were overran by the Boko Haram terrorists in Guzamala axis of Borno state and that several personnel were killed and several others cannot be accounted for including the Commanding Officer of the Unit.
“The report also went ahead to claim that the troops loss of equipment to the terrorists.
“The Theatre Command wants to state clearly that the story is a fabrication from the imagination of those sympathetic to Boko Haram ways of life.
“Although the location of 157 Battalion was attacked last Wednesday and was subsequently repelled by the gallant troops of the Unit, the Commanding Officer of the Unit is in contact with his Brigade Commander.
“However, the unit suffers some casualties which is normal in military operations. The affected personnel sustained minor injuries but no gunshot wound was sustained by the troops.
“The number of casualty and equipment lost as being circulated is not correct. The situation was unnecessarily blown beyond proportion to give terrorists the type of propaganda they desired.
“The Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole has addressed the issue and gave journalists the opportunity to ask questions and clarify doubts about the Gudumbali incidence.”
