The Defence Headquarters on Friday confirmed the death of the Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Borno State, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, following a terrorist attack on the military formation.
The military said the brigade commander and three other personnel — two officers and two soldiers — were killed in action during an intense engagement with terrorist elements in Kaga Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the Armed Forces described the fallen personnel as gallant officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
“With profound grief and heavy hearts, the Defence Headquarters formally conveys the supreme sacrifice paid by gallant officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria at Benisheikh in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
“In the course of an intense engagement against terrorist elements, two officers and two soldiers were killed in action, making the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its citizens,” the statement partly read.
He noted that Brigadier General Braimah demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership during the encounter.
“Among those involved in this fierce encounter was the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, whose conspicuous bravery, personal leadership under fire, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his troops reflect the highest ideals and traditions of the Nigerian military,” it added.
Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commiserated with the families of the fallen personnel, assuring that their sacrifice would strengthen ongoing military operations across theatres.
“To the families of the fallen, the Chief of Defence Staff and the entire Armed Forces stand with you in this moment of deep sorrow. Your loved ones were not ordinary citizens; they were extraordinary Nigerians who chose to stand between danger and the rest of the nation,” the statement said.
The Defence Headquarters also assured Nigerians that operations would continue with greater determination as a tribute to the fallen personnel.
Troops deployed in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, came under terrorist attack on April 9, 2026, but successfully held their ground.
The Defence Headquarters had earlier confirmed the death of some soldiers but was silent on the fate of the brigade commander. The latest statement, however, confirmed the death of Brigadier General Braimah.
The incident follows a similar attack in November 2025 when Brigadier General Musa Uba, Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa, Borno State, was killed by Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists.
Onoja also highlighted recent operational successes recorded by troops across theatres of operation, particularly under Operation HADIN KAI.
He said troops sustained aggressive and coordinated offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS terrorists across Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Taraba, and Gombe states, significantly restricting their movement and disrupting logistics networks.
Onoja also disclosed that on April 4, 2026, troops observed terrorists advancing toward Dikwa town through Mallam Maja Village in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, prompting the deployment of mortar and artillery fire, which disrupted and dispersed the insurgents.
He added that when the terrorists attempted to reconverge, sustained artillery bombardment forced them to abandon their mission and withdraw.
Similarly, he further noted that a suspect identified as Fidelis Thomas from Gbato Village in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State was apprehended by community youths following intelligence linking him to attacks along the Rafin Kada–Wukari Road.