Military Acknowledges Soldier Fatalities in Borno Attack, Silent on General's Status

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the death of military personnel during a coordinated attack by insurgents on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters, located in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State. The assault took place in the early hours of Thursday, April 9, 2026, at approximately 12:30 a.m., when militants attempted to penetrate the military base's defenses.

A statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, indicated that troops involved in Operation HADIN KAI, under the command of the brigade commander, responded with significant courage and superior firepower, compelling the attackers to withdraw.

The statement detailed, "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."

Defence Headquarters characterized the assault as a desperate act by insurgents who have faced substantial losses in recent military operations, emphasizing that such attacks against well-defended positions are futile.

"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 read.

While the military acknowledged that troops sustained casualties during the encounter, it remained silent on whether Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, the Commander of the 29 Brigade, was among those killed.

"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," Maj. Gen. Onoja stated.

The High Command extended its sympathies to the families of the deceased soldiers and urged the public to refrain from disseminating unverified information, particularly on social media platforms.

Furthermore, the Defence Headquarters announced that ongoing clearance operations are underway to locate and apprehend fleeing insurgents, aiming to prevent any potential regrouping. The statement concluded, "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."