On Thursday, April 9th 2026, Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah was killed in a deadly terrorist attack on a military formation in northeast Nigeria, marking the second loss of a senior officer in less than five months.
The attack occurred in Benisheikh, a town about 75 kilometres from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, where insurgents launched a large-scale assault on a military base, leaving multiple casualties and destroying key assets. Two intelligence officials confirmed the killing of the senior officer.
According to military sources, coordinated attacks were carried out by Boko Haram fighters across four communities in Borno State Banki Ruwa, Ngamdu, Benisheikh, and Pulka in the early hours of Wednesday. The locations, situated along the southern fringe of the Sambisa Forest, were targeted almost simultaneously in what appeared to be a well-planned operation.
The first wave began around 10:30 p.m. in Pulka and Banki Ruwa in Gwoza Local Government Area, where insurgents overran a military base, destroyed military equipment, and set construction assets belonging to the state government ablaze. The attackers also looted food supplies from shops before withdrawing.
Hours later, at about midnight, another round of attacks was launched on Benisheikh and Ngamdu. In Benisheikh, the insurgents overran the 29 Task Force Brigade, destroying multiple military vehicles and engaging troops in a prolonged battle.
The attackers also set vehicles ablaze along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway and reportedly operated in Ngamdu for more than three hours. Security sources suggested the assault on Ngamdu may have been a diversionary tactic aimed at delaying reinforcements, while the attack on Banki Ruwa possibly served as a decoy to support operations in Pulka.
How The Attack Unfolded
Military sources revealed that the insurgents advanced towards the Joint Task Force base in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, before launching a sustained assault using explosives and heavy gunfire.
The confrontation lasted for several hours, with troops attempting to repel the attackers and protect both the base and nearby communities.
“He was killed last night along with the Imam of the Brigade, many officers and soldiers. The attack lasted several hours. The camp is Benishek along Damaturu Road; it’s very unfortunate,” a source said.
One more source said, “This is Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, 29 Brigade Commander in Benishek, who was killed with other senior staff officers yesterday.”
Casualties and Losses Recorded
Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah was among those killed while leading the defence of the base during the attack.
“Unfortunately, the brigade commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, lost his life,” Kaga Local Government Chairman Zannah Lawan Ajimi told AFP in a phone interview.
One intelligence source said, “They overran the brigade,” putting the casualty figure at “at least” 18.
Another intelligence source noted that “the terrorists killed several troops” and “burnt vehicles and buildings before they withdrew,” without specifying the total number of casualties.
In addition to those killed, several soldiers sustained serious injuries, while a number of personnel remain missing following the attack.
The exact number of fatalities from the assault by militants linked to the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram is yet to be officially confirmed.
Social Reactions
Government Reacts To Deadly Assault
President Bola Tinubu confirmed the death of Oseni Omoh Braimah following the attack on the military base in Benisheikh, Borno State.
According to Michael Onoja, director of defence media operations at Defence Headquarters, the “coordinated terrorist attack” occurred at about 12:30 a.m.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, Tinubu extended condolences to the military and families of the fallen soldiers.
“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation,” the statement reads.
“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.
“These soldiers are our heroes, unforgettable and irreplaceable,” Tinubu said.
He also assured that the government would continue to equip the armed forces, prioritise personnel welfare, and collaborate with Borno State authorities to restore peace, while urging Nigerians and the media to support ongoing military efforts.
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