The Defense Headquarters confirmed that terrorists and military troops were killed when terrorists launched a concerted attack on the 29th Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.
The military did not confirm or deny claims that Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Commander of the 29 Brigade, was among those murdered in the incident.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defense Media Operations, stated on Thursday that the incident occurred about 12:30 a.m. on April 9, 2026, when rebels attempted to breach the military installation’s defensive perimeter.
He stated that 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 regarded the strike as a show of desperation by militants who had incurred heavy 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 clash 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 honors their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defense of the nation,” the statement noted.
It further stated that the High Command has sent condolences to the families of the departed servicemen and encouraged the public to avoid spreading unsubstantiated information, particularly on social media.
The Defense Headquarters also confirmed that clearance operations were underway to track down fleeing rebels and prevent them from reforming.
“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 neutralize fleeing insurgents,” the statement said.
