.DHQ confirms attack, silent on number of casualty
.Tinubu mourns fallen Benisheikh soldiers
AHMED MARI, Maiduguri with agency report
Terrorists operating in North East Nigeria killed a brigadier general in an assault on a military base, a local government chairman in Borno state told AFP on Thursday, the second killing of a high-ranking officer in five months.
Africa’s most populous country has been fighting a terrorist insurgency for 17 years, since Boko Haram’s 2009 uprising, which has seen the emergence of powerful splinter groups, including Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP.
In an overnight attack, unidentified terrorists killed at least 18 soldiers and torched vehicles at a base in Benisheikh, about 75 kilometres from Borno State capital Maiduguri, an intelligence source told AFP.
“Unfortunately, the brigade commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, lost his life,” Kaga Local Government Chairman Zannah Lawan Ajimi told AFP in a phone interview.
Two intelligence sources confirmed Braimah’s death to AFP.
His death follows the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba by ISWAP in November.
He was the highest-ranking military official to die in the long-running conflict since 2021.
“They overran the brigade,” one of the intelligence sources said, giving the death toll as “at least” 18.
The second intelligence source said that “the terrorists killed several troops” and “burnt vehicles and buildings before they withdrew,” without giving a toll.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has confirmed that terrorists and military personnel were killed when insurgents launched a coordinated attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.
The military, however, did not confirm or debunk reports that the Commander of the 29 Brigade, Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah, was among those killed in the incident.
In a statement on Thursday by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the attack occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on April 9, 2026, when insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation.
He said troops of Operation HADIN KAI, led by the brigade commander, responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” forcing the attackers to retreat.
“In continuation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Operation HADIN KAI came under a coordinated terrorist attack on their location at the Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.
“However, the troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah, responded with exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower. In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and forced to retreat in disarray, abandoning their mission, ” the statement partly read.
The Defence Headquarters described the attack as a sign of desperation by insurgents who had suffered significant losses in recent military operations.
“This attack is a clear indication of the desperation of terrorist elements who, having suffered significant losses in recent operations, continue to resort to futile and ill-fated offensives against well-defended military positions,” the statement added.
The military acknowledged that the encounter resulted in casualties among troops.
“Regrettably, the encounter resulted in the loss of a few brave and gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
“The Chief of Defence Staff honours their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation,” the statement noted.
It added that the High Command had extended condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information, especially on social media.
The Defence Headquarters also disclosed that clearance operations were ongoing to track fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, remain resolute and undeterred in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.
“Additional clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the general area to track and neutralise fleeing insurgents,” the statement said.
Tinubu mourns fallen Benisheikh soldiers
Soldiers
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the killing of soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, in a terrorist attack in Benisheikh, Borno.
The President also extended condolences to the military and families of the fallen soldiers, urging them to remain steadfast in the face of the tragic loss.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the coordinated attack, which occurred early Thursday, resulting in casualties among the troops.
Tinubu praised the courage and heroism of the soldiers, noting that they fought gallantly to repel the attackers and protect surrounding communities.
He said the troops’ efforts prevented the insurgents from overrunning the area, reaffirming the military’s resilience in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
While mourning the fallen personnel, Tinubu urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and frontline troops not to be discouraged by the incident.
“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders.
“The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation,” he said.
The President extended condolences to the families of the soldiers, led by Brig.-Gen. Oseni Braimah, who died in the attack.
“The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain,” he said.
Tinubu said the courage and dedication of troops had strengthened the nation’s resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence.
“I urge the Military High Command and our troops in all theatres of operation: do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged.
“Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism,” he said.
He assured that the Federal Government would continue to support the Armed Forces with equipment and prioritise the welfare of personnel.
The President also urged Nigerians and the media to support the military and avoid actions that could undermine their efforts.
Tinubu extended condolences to the government and people of Borno, assuring continued collaboration to achieve lasting peace.
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