Nigerian military has dismissed reports in a section of the media claiming that over 2000 people lost their lives during the battle to free Baga in Borno State from the Boko Haram insurgents.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja, on Monday, the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Chris Olukolade, insisted the death toll has not exceeded 150 covering both the terrorists and troops.
“From all available evidences, the number of people who lost their lives during that attack has so far not exceeded about 150 in the interim.
‘This figure includes many of the terrorists who were bearing arms and got killed in the course of their attack and battle with troops,” Olukolade said.
He lamented that terrible atrocities have been committed against innocent Nigerians in Baga by the rampaging terrorists who attacked and have been operating in the town since 3 January 2015. The DDI however assured that necessary actions are being taken to put an end to the activities of the terrorists and restore law and order to the community.
According to him, “A lot of covert operations including surveillance activities which recorded series aerial photographs are ongoing in that vicinity.
“It should be noted that Baga and the neighbouring towns have been under series of attacks and harassment by terrorists. In the course of this, many residents have left, leaving the population in the town almost seriously depleted.
“Many were also able to escape while the terrorists’ battle with troops lasted. The figure given by sources who claim to be eye witnesses must be an extremely exaggerated estimate. Unfortunately, this figure is now being bandied about in a section of the media as if it has been authenticated. It cannot be true”.
The Defence spokesperson therefore, enjoined the media to be circumspect in adopting casualty figures especially the ones given to them by the so-called eye witness, who in most cases, are influenced by their own perspectives.
He stated further, “The tendency to celebrate the occasional setbacks while downplaying the efforts and successes at containing the terrorists is unfair and very unfortunate.
“It is noteworthy that many international bodies are being misled in their interpretation of the situation owing to sensational headlines and stories.
The Defence Headquarters wishes to reiterate its earlier assurance that the military has not given up on Baga or any part of the country where terrorists are marauding.
“Appropriate plans, men and resources are presently being mobilized to address the situation. We want reassure Nigerians that no portion of Nigeria’s territory has been or will be conceded to terrorists”.
