…Troops Repel ISWAP Attack—Tinubu Mourns Fallen Soldiers
By Abu Adamu
A coordinated attack by Islamic State-backed Boko Haram insurgents on a military formation in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, has left several soldiers dead, even as troops successfully repelled the assault after hours of intense fighting.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, targeted the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters under Operation HADIN KAI. According to military and local sources, the insurgents stormed the base with heavy gunfire and explosives in a fierce attempt to breach the defensive perimeter.
A military source confirmed that the attack led to casualties, including the Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, and other personnel. “He was killed alongside the Brigade Imam and several officers. The attack lasted for hours. It is very unfortunate,” the source said.
However, in an official statement, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” decisively engaging the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.
The DHQ described the assault as a “desperate” move by terrorist elements weakened by sustained military offensives across the North-East. It noted that although some soldiers paid the supreme price, the swift counteraction prevented the insurgents from overrunning the base.
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have continued to demonstrate high levels of combat readiness, resilience, and operational effectiveness in safeguarding critical locations,” the statement added, while cautioning against the spread of misinformation and unverified reports.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the soldiers, describing them as “unforgettable and irreplaceable heroes.”
The President commiserated with the Armed Forces and the families of the fallen troops, urging them to find strength in the nation’s appreciation of their sacrifice.
“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country,” Tinubu said.
“The government will never forget their sacrifices. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops, our resolve to defeat terrorism is stronger than ever.”
Tinubu also called on the military high command and frontline troops not to be discouraged by the incident, insisting that ongoing operations have significantly degraded insurgent capabilities.
“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained land and air offensives, neutralising many terrorist fighters and commanders. This counterattack is a sign of desperation,” he stated.
The President further urged Nigerians and the media to support the military and refrain from amplifying narratives that could undermine morale.
“We should desist from celebrating or condoning attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes,” he added.
The North-East insurgency, driven largely by Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction, has persisted for over a decade, claiming tens of thousands of lives and displacing millions across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
Despite repeated claims by the military that the insurgency has been largely contained, attacks have intensified in recent months, particularly around the Lake Chad region, raising fresh concerns about the security situation in the region.