Olayiwola Matthew
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, killing several insurgents and forcing others to retreat, military authorities confirmed.
The attack, carried out in the early hours of April 9, 2026 by fighters linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP, began around 12:30 a.m. when the insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military base.
According to military sources, the troops responded swiftly, engaging the attackers with sustained firepower and holding their ground throughout the confrontation. The insurgents were eventually overpowered and fled the scene in disarray.
However, the encounter resulted in the loss of several military personnel, including the Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah.
Sources said the senior officer died in the line of duty during the exchange, while efforts to manoeuvre under fire were hampered when his bulletproof vehicle reportedly failed to start.
The Brigade Imam and a number of other officers were also confirmed among the casualties.
The Defence Headquarters described the incident as a desperate offensive by insurgents who have come under sustained military pressure in recent weeks. It noted that the attack does not signify renewed strength, but rather reflects the weakening state of terrorist elements.
Reacting to the development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the soldiers, describing them as heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation. He extended condolences to their families and assured that their sacrifice would not be in vain.
The Benisheikh attack comes amid a wave of violence in parts of northern Nigeria, with multiple incidents reported in Kebbi and Niger States in recent days.
Military authorities said pursuit operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing insurgents and prevent further attacks, reaffirming their commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.
