Army denies alleged Boko Haram kidnap of 22 girls, women

The Nigeria Army has said Boko Haram insurgents did not abduct 22 women and children from Pulka and Dumba in Borno state.

According to a report by The Guardian, 18 girls were abducted in Pulka while four women were reportedly seized in Dumba.

The attackers were said to belong to the Boko Haram faction headed by Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, the son of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf.

But Sani Usman, army spokesperson, denied the claim in a statement released late Saturday.

Usman described the report as completely false, noting that Pulka and its environs are heavily secured.

“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a news story circulating on Social Media and some mainstream media that suspected Boko Haram terrorists have allegedly attacked Pulka and abducted 22 women, attributing it to an unidentified Bulama as source,” said Usman.

“We wish state that the report is completely false and should be ignored. For the avoidance of doubt, Pulka and its environs is heavily fortified and there has not been any security breach in the area.

“Media houses are please requested to always cross check their facts before publishing or broadcasting,” said Usman in the statement.