DHQ Confirms Soldiers, Terrorists Deaths In Borno Boko Haram Attack

THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ), on Thursday, April 9, confirmed the deaths of soldiers, including a Commander, as well as terrorists in Boko Haram insurgents’ coordinated attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.
The DHQ, however, did not confirm or debunk reports that the Commander of the 29 Brigade, Brig-Gen. Oseni Braimah, was among those killed in the attack.
A statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the attack occurred about 12:30 a.m. on April 9, when insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation, but were repelled by troops of Operation HADIN KAI, led by the brigade commander, who responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism and superior firepower,” forcing the attackers to retreat.
According to the statement: “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, Brig-Gen. 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.”
The statement described the attack as a sign of desperation by insurgents who had suffered significant losses in recent military operations and continue to resort to futile and ill-fated offensives against well-defended military positions.
While acknowledging troops casualties, it said:
“Regrettably, the encounter resulted in the loss of 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,” adding that the military High Command had extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information, especially on social media.
The Defence Headquarters explained that 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, even as additional clearance and exploitation operations were ongoing in the general area to track and neutralise fleeing insurgents.
Chairman of Kaga Local Government, Zanna Ajimi, confirmed the death of soldiers during the attack, saying: “Yes, we just left the military base now, and I can confirm to you that the brigade commander is among the casualties.”
Another source added: “He was killed last night along with the Imam of the Brigade, many officers and soldiers. The attack lasted several hours. The camp is Benisheik along Damaturu Road.”