Defence Headquarters confirms the loss of gallant personnel following a coordinated terrorist attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State. The encounter occurred in the early hours of Thursday, April 9, during which several soldiers paid the ultimate price defending the nation.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed that the incident began at approximately 12:30 a.m. on April 9, following a failed attempt by insurgents to infiltrate the military base’s perimeter.
General Onoja reported that troops from Operation HADIN KAI, under the brigade commander’s leadership, unleashed “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” effectively routing the attackers and forcing a 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 the statement said.
Defence Headquarters dismissed the attack as a desperate reactionary measure by insurgents currently crippled by a string of decisive military defeats.
“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.
While confirming troop casualties in the assault, the military remained silent on the fate of Brig. Gen. Oseni Braimah, Commander of the 29 Brigade, following widespread reports of his death.
“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,” he said.
While extending heartfelt condolences to the families of our fallen heroes, the High Command urges the public to refrain from circulating unverified social media reports. Meanwhile, aggressive clearance operations are underway to hunt down fleeing insurgents and dismantle any attempts at regrouping.
Reaffirming their commitment to national security, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and their strategic partners remain steadfast in the campaign to eradicate insurgency. Intensive exploitation maneuvers are actively progressing to neutralize all remaining hostile threats in the region.
