President Tinubu Mourns Fallen Heroes as Brigadier-General Braimah, Others Killed in Borno Attack

By Babatunji Wusu

Tragedy has struck the Nigerian Army following a devastating and coordinated assault by militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram (ISWAP) on a military formation in Borno State. The attack, which took place on Wednesday night, targeted the 29 Task Force Brigade formation in Benisheikh, located in the Kaga Local Government Area along the strategic Damaturu-Maiduguri Road.

Military sources confirmed that the insurgents stormed the base in a fierce assault that lasted several hours, utilizing heavy gunfire and explosives to breach the facility. In a profound blow to the leadership of Operation HADIN KAI, the commander of the brigade, Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah, was killed during the encounter. The General was reportedly killed alongside the Brigade Imam and several other senior staff officers and soldiers who fought gallantly to repel the invaders.

While the total casualty figure remains yet-to-be-confirmed, sources within the military indicate that numerous bodies have been recovered from the scene. Several other soldiers sustained serious injuries, and a search-and-rescue operation is currently underway for personnel reported missing following the chaotic exchange. “It is very unfortunate; he was killed last night along with many officers and soldiers,” a source lamented, describing the heavy toll of the engagement.

The death of a high-ranking officer of Brigadier-General Braimah’s standing marks one of the most significant losses for the military in recent times. As of Thursday morning, reinforcements have been deployed to the Benisheikh axis to secure the area and track the retreating militants. The Defence Headquarters is expected to issue a formal statement as more details emerge regarding the recovery efforts and the status of the missing personnel.

With the loss of a Brigade Commander in such a daring raid, do you think it is time for the military to shift toward a more technology-driven, “smart” surveillance approach to protect these strategic bases?

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