ABUJA, Nigeria — The president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of several soldiers, including a senior commander, during a recent terrorist raid in Borno State. The attack targeted a military camp in Benisheikh, a town in northeast Nigeria, which is currently the focus of Operation HADIN KAI, the military’s primary mission against local insurgent groups.
In a statement released on Thursday, April 9, 2026, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president described the fallen troops as “unforgettable heroes.” The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria confirmed that the assault occurred early Thursday morning, leading to the loss of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah and several other personnel from the 29 Task Force Brigade. Okay News reports that the president praised the bravery of the troops, stating they fought valiantly to prevent the terrorists from overrunning the local communities.
President Tinubu suggested that the counterattack by the insurgents is a sign of desperation following intense air and land offensives by the Nigerian Armed Forces. He assured the military of the continued support of the federal government of Nigeria, promising to provide necessary equipment and prioritize the welfare of security personnel. He also urged the troops not to be discouraged by the incident but to continue serving with courage and patriotism.
The president extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and the people of Borno State, where the military has been battling Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), for more than a decade. He specifically called on the media and the public to support the military and refrain from celebrating attacks against security forces. This incident marks the second loss of a high-ranking officer in the region in recent months, following the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba in November 2025.
