Terrorists have launched a gruesome attack on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno state, killing an unspecified number of soldiers.
A local government chairman told AFP on Thursday, that this is second killing of a high-ranking officer in the last five months.
Since the emergence of Boko Haram terrorists in 2009, Nigeria has been battling a terrorist insurgency for 17 years. During this time, strong splinter groups have emerged, such as Islamic State West Africa Province.
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At least eighteen soldiers were killed and vehicles were set on fire by suspected terrorists during a nocturnal attack at a base in Benisheikh, some 75 kilometres from the capital of Borno state, Maiduguri, an intelligence source told AFP.
“Unfortunately, the brigade commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, lost his life,” Kaga Local Government Chairman Zannah Lawan Ajimi told AFP in a phone interview.
His death comes following the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba by ISWAP in November of 2025 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.
In a statement cited on X, Michael Onoja, director of the defence media operations at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), said the “coordinated terrorist attack” occurred around 12:30 am.
According to him, the terrorists were forced to flee “in disarray, abandoning their mission and leaving behind traces of their failed assault” when forces led by brigadier general Oseni Braimah of the 29 brigade responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower.”
“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 declared that the “High Command extends its deepest condolences to their families and loved ones” and that the bravery of the fallen soldiers “will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire nation.”
He added that further clearance and follow-up operations are ongoing in the area to track and kill fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
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No group had taken credit for the incident as of the time of publication. Unverified rumours, however, indicated that a brigadier-general might have been slain.
