The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that several Nigerian soldiers were killed following a violent attack by Boko Haram insurgents on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State.
However, the military authorities have remained silent on widespread reports that Brigadier General O. O. Braimah, Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade, was among those killed during the assault.
In a statement released on Thursday, the DHQ said troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on the Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh around 12:30 a.m.
According to the statement, the insurgents attempted to breach the base but were met with “superior firepower” and forced 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,” the statement read.
“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 DHQ described the attack as a sign of desperation by terrorist groups following recent losses in the North-East theatre.
Despite confirming casualties, the military provided limited details.
“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 statement noted.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, paid tribute to the fallen troops and extended condolences to their families, adding that further details would be released after next of kin are formally notified.
Notably, the DHQ statement did not clarify the status of Brigadier General Braimah, despite multiple local reports indicating that he may have been killed in the attack.
Conflicting reports on Brigade Commander
Separate accounts from local sources and officials suggest that the Brigade Commander was among the casualties.
The Chairman of Kaga Local Government Area, Zanna Ajimi, confirmed after visiting the base that Brig.-Gen. Braimah was killed during the attack.
“Yes, we just left the military base now, and I can confirm to you that the brigade commander is among the casualties,” he said.
Other sources also reported that the insurgents attacked in large numbers, resulting in casualties on both sides, although exact figures remain unclear.
Reacting to the incident, President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, describing them as patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating insurgency, directing security agencies to intensify ongoing operations against terrorist groups and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the Nigerian Armed Forces, while urging continued public support for the military’s efforts.
Meanwhile, clearance operations are ongoing in the Benisheikh area to track fleeing insurgents and prevent regrouping.
The military has urged the public to disregard unverified reports and misinformation, even as it acknowledged the fluid and dangerous nature of the security situation.
The Armed Forces reiterated their resolve to sustain pressure on terrorist elements, working in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders.
The latest attack comes amid a renewed wave of insurgent activity in the North-East, following recent assaults on military formations in Baga, Buratai, and other locations around Maiduguri, as well as attacks linked to Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in parts of Borno State.
While the military maintains that the attack was successfully repelled, the lack of clarity surrounding the fate of Brigadier General Braimah continues to raise questions, particularly given confirmations from local authorities.
The silence underscores ongoing challenges in information management during conflict situations and highlights the tension between operational security and public accountability.
