The Nigerian military has officially confirmed a large-scale attack on a military formation base in Borno State.
In a statement released Thursday, Defence Headquarters described a fierce midnight battle in the Benisheikh general area, where troops reportedly engaged insurgents in a “prolonged gun-exchange” to defend the strategic location.
While the military hierarchy praised the “exceptional courage and superior firepower” of the personnel who repelled the attackers during the attack on the Borno military base, the official communique was notably silent regarding the widely reported death of a high-ranking officer.
Local sources and security analysts identify the casualty as Brigadier-General O. O. Braimah, a brigade commander within the Joint Task Force.
“Unfortunately, the brigade commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, lost his life,” Kaga Local Government Chairman Zannah Lawan Ajimi told the press in a phone interview.
The reported development 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.
However, the military a statement issued by Michael Onoja, director of the defence media operations at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), said the troops under the command of Oseni Braimah, a brigadier general of the 29 brigade, responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” forcing the attackers to retreat “in disarray, abandoning their mission and leaving behind traces of their failed assault”.
“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 swift and decisive response by troops underscores the high level of combat readiness, resilience, and operational effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI in safeguarding critical locations and maintaining pressure on terrorist groups across the North-East theatre,” the statement reads.
“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, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, honours their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation.”
He said that the courage of the deceased soldiers “will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire nation,” and that the “High Command extends its deepest condolences to their families and loved ones”.
“In line with established military tradition and respect for the fallen, the general public and media are kindly requested to allow the Armed Forces to formally notify the next of kin before the release of further details,” the statement added.
Onoja urged the public to ignore misinformation, sensational stories, and unverified content circulating on social media.
He said that further clearance and follow-up operations are ongoing in the area to track and kill fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.
As of press time, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack.
This development comes as Nigeria continues to battle with several security issues.
