President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the loss of the brave soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, who died in a coordinated terrorist attack on their camp in Benisheikh, Borno state.
The president also expressed heartfelt condolences to the military and the families of the soldiers, urging them to take heart in the face of the unfortunate loss.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the attack and the tragic loss of lives, which occurred early Thursday, April 9, 2026.
President Tinubu praised the courage and heroism of the soldiers who fought valiantly to repel the terrorists and ensure that Boko Haram could not overrun the communities the soldiers protect.
While mourning the death of the gallant soldiers, President Tinubu urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and all soldiers on the frontline not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices.
“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation.
“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State. The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.
“I urge the Military High Command and our troops in all theatres of operation: Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism. The government will always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety.
“I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our Military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry. We should desist from celebrating or condoning the attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable.
“My condolences also go to the government and people of Borno State. The Federal Government will continue to work with the state government to achieve total victory and lasting peace,” he said.
…DHQ speaks up
Confirming the development, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Thursday said troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Operation HADIN KAI came under a coordinated terrorist attack on their location at the Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno state.
A statement by Director Defence Media Operations Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed that the attack occurred at approximately 12:30am on Thursday, 9 April 2026.
He said the insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation but the troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, “responded with exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower.
Onoja said in a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and forced to retreat in disarray, abandoning their mission and leaving behind traces of their failed assault.
He, however, disclosed that the encounter resulted in the loss of a few brave and gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
He said “the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, honours their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation.”
“Their courage will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire nation. The High Command extends its deepest condolences to their families and loved ones,” he said.
He appealed to the general public and media to be in line with established military tradition and respect for the fallen to allow the Armed Forces to formally notify the next of kin before the release of further details.
The statement also urged members of the public to disregard misinformation, sensational reports, and unverified content circulating across social media platforms, saying that it undermines ongoing operations and national security efforts.
…LG boss’ account
Confirming the incident in an interview with Blueprint, chairman of Kaga local government area, Hon. Zanna Ajimi, in a sober mood, said: “We are in a difficult situation as Boko Haram wreaked havoc in Benesheikh. Presently, I cannot give you the exact number of casualties, but many of the insurgents, civilians and security personnel were killed.”
… How it happened
Blueprint.ng reports that in Pulka, preliminary investigation revealed that many facilities, including equipment of the road construction firm (Decency) and machines were set ablaze.
Pulka currently hosts thousands of the recently displaced people of Ngoshe.
During the attack in Benesheikh town, our findings revealed, the insurgents set ablaze many trucks and commercial vehicles, killing motorists and passengers who had stopped over to pass the night in Benesheikh due to the routine evening closure of the Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano road.
Another source said scores of the insurgents were also neutralised by troops in Benesheikh, even as some security personnel also paid the supreme price as many vehicles were also carted away by the terrorists.
…Ndume tasks Tinubu
In his reaction, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), urged President Tinubu to walk-the-talk to stem the tide of insecurity across the state.
The lawmaker, who said the military personnel were doing their best, however, said they lacked enough fighting equipment to confront the terrorists.
Ndume, a former chairman of the Senate committee on Army, further called on the president to equip the military with fighter jets, drones, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to defeat terrorists who were always attacking their targets in large numbers.
“Although, from the information at my disposal, the terrorists who came to Pulka in large numbers succeeded in killing some soldiers after troops ran out of ammunition. A member of the Civilian Joint Task also lost his life, while most of the equipment and machines belonging to Decency Road Construction Firm were set ablaze by the terrorists.
“Before invading Pulka, the terrorists killed one person in Warabe village after the community resisted the attack,” the lawmaker added.
He, however, commended the gallantry of troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force who stood firm in repelling the attack before being overwhelmed.
Ndume commiserated with the families of the deceased, prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead, and wished the injured quick recovery.
…Gunmen raid Niger
In a related development, residents of Bagna, Erena and Yelwa communities in Shiroro local government area of Niger state, have lamented the deadly terrorist attacks resulting in the killing of over 40 persons including 10 vigilantes, security personnel and civilians.
According to reports, several houses were set ablaze in the affected communities with residents fleeing their abodes.
“The dead also include special forces and 10 local vigilantes who were killed during the encounter following an ambush on their camp by the terrorists,” said a resident who spoke under anonymity.
Speaking in a telephone interview, a resident simply identified as Ahmodu Bagna, said: “I saw them riding on motorcycles carrying two passengers on each motorcycle with sophisticated weapons. I ran for cover before they could see me. In moments, I began to hear sporadic gunshots and saw smokes take over the sky above my Bagna community.”
“I escaped to Erena from Bagna when they attacked us. My father told me the bandits are slaughtering those they captured. When we began to feel the atmosphere of insecurity and imminent danger, I left Erena to Zumba. The terrorists are more than 300 in numbers. As I speak, our communities have become desolate,” said another source.
It was gathered that the slain 10 vigilantes were among the security personnel defending the camp shared with the DSS which was eventually burnt down by the bandits.
…We won’t surrender – Bago
Mourning the development, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said: “These renewed attacks on our people are heart wrenching. I condole with the people of Shiroro local government area over banditry attacks on Erena, Bagna, and Yelwa communities that claimed lives and destroyed homes as well as livelihoods. I want to assure you that you are not alone, I share in your pains as well as losses.”
The governor, while commending “the joint security team for mobilising and engaging the bandits, also condoles with families of those that paid the supreme price.”
He assured that his administration will never surrender to bandits and that support to security agencies will continue to be prioritised for improved and proactive security operations across the state.
The governor called for more vigilance among the people and urged them to promptly provide credible intelligence to security agencies to avert a repeat of such attacks.
