President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to defeat terrorism following a deadly attack by Boko Haram insurgents that claimed the life of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and other soldiers in Borno State.
The President described the assault as a “desperate counterattack” by weakened insurgents and insisted it would not shake the nation’s resolve to end years of insecurity. He urged troops on the frontlines to remain steadfast, assuring them of continued government support and appreciation for their sacrifices.
The attack targeted troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai at their base in Benisheikh in the early hours of April 9, 2026. Despite the intensity of the assault, soldiers reportedly fought back with strong resistance, forcing the attackers to retreat.
Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the soldiers, praising their bravery and commitment to protecting the nation. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and the government of Borno State, promising that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
He also called on Nigerians and the media to support the armed forces and avoid glorifying attacks on military personnel, emphasizing that fallen soldiers are national heroes.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters confirmed the incident and urged the public to respect military protocols, particularly the need to inform families of fallen officers before public announcements are made. It also warned against the spread of misinformation, noting that such actions could undermine national security efforts.
According to military authorities, the insurgents attempted to breach the base but were repelled through coordinated defensive action. The military described the attack as further evidence of the pressure insurgents are facing from ongoing operations in the North-East.
Security forces have since intensified clearance operations in the area to track down fleeing militants and prevent regrouping.
The military leadership reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and stability across the region, calling on citizens to remain vigilant and support ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.
