The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that both terrorists and military personnel were killed during a coordinated assault on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.
The attack, which occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on April 9, 2026, saw insurgents attempt to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, under the command of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.
“In continuation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade came under a coordinated terrorist attack at their headquarters in Benisheikh. The insurgents were decisively engaged and forced to retreat, abandoning their mission,” the DHQ said in a statement on Thursday.
Armoured tank destroyed by Boko Haram during attack on Borno military base. Credit: Punch
The military described the assault as a sign of insurgents’ desperation after suffering significant losses in recent operations.
“This attack is a clear indication of the desperation of terrorist elements who continue to resort to futile and ill-fated offensives against well-defended military positions,” the statement read.
While the DHQ confirmed casualties among soldiers, it did not provide details regarding the fate of the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Braimah, amid reports suggesting he has been killed. The Chief of Defence Staff has extended condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain resolute in the fight against terrorism. Clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing to track and neutralise fleeing insurgents,” the statement added.
Local sources reported that the insurgents operated for hours, setting military vehicles and nearby shops ablaze. Chairman of Kaga Local Government Area, Zanna Ajimi, claimed that the Brigade Commander was among the casualties.
A resident, Musa Aji, confirmed that several shops close to the military base were also torched but said there were no confirmed civilian deaths at the time of reporting.
The attack is part of a rising trend of insurgent assaults targeting military formations in Borno State and the broader North-East region, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing the area.