By Staff Reporter
Maiduguri, Nigeria — At least two soldiers, a Brigadier General and a Captain have been killed following a late-night attack by insurgents on a Nigerian Army formation in Benisheikh, Borno State.
The attack, which occurred around midnight between April 8 and April 9, 2026, reportedly targeted a military brigade in the town, located in Kaga Local Government Area.
According to accounts of the incident, the assailants stormed the military base at about 12:00 a.m., opening fire on troops and engaging them in a prolonged battle that lasted into the early hours of Thursday.
Among those killed were the Brigade Commander who was identified as Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, a captain, a staff sergeant, and a private soldier.
Sources further disclosed that the attackers set ablaze at least four Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles during the assault. In addition to the destruction, the insurgents were said to have seized a cache of ammunition from the base.
The attack is believed to have been carried out by Boko Haram fighters, who have sustained a campaign of violence in Nigeria’s North-East region for over a decade.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters said in statement that troops of the military under Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh.
The statement from the Director, Defence Media Operations Major General Michael Onoja said the attack, which occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, saw insurgents attempt to breach the defensive perimeter of the military facility. However, troops, led by Brigade Commander Oseni Braimah, responded with superior firepower and forced the attackers to retreat.
General Onoja said the insurgents fled in disarray after a fierce counter-offensive, abandoning their mission and leaving behind traces of the failed assault.
The incident, according to the Armed Forces, reflects the desperation of terrorist elements who have continued to suffer setbacks from ongoing military operations in the North-East.
Despite the successful defence, the military confirmed that a number of soldiers lost their lives during the encounter. The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, paid tribute to the fallen troops, describing them as gallant heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
He also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
The military urged the public and media to refrain from spreading unverified information, noting that details of casualties would be formally communicated to next of kin in line with military tradition.
It further assured that additional clearance operations are ongoing to track down fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Armed Forces called on citizens to remain vigilant and support ongoing operations with credible information, as efforts continue to restore lasting peace in the region.
The latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing military formations in the region, despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations by the Armed Forces.
As of the time of filing this report, military authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the attack.
Meanwhile, concerned citizens have called for increased support and prayers for frontline troops, who continue to confront insurgent threats under difficult conditions.
Benisheikh has previously witnessed similar attacks due to its strategic location along major routes in Borno State, making it a frequent target for insurgent activities.
