Nigerian Brigadier General Killed by Terrorists – AFP Report

Terrorists struck a military base in Benisheikh overnight, killing a brigadier general and dozens of troops. The base lies about 75 kilometres from Maiduguri in Borno state.

Kaga Local Government Chairman Zannah Lawan Ajimi told AFP the brigade commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, lost his life. Two intelligence sources also confirmed his death to AFP.

Details of the assault

Intelligence sources said attackers overran the brigade and set vehicles and buildings ablaze. One source put the soldier death toll at at least 18.

Another source said terrorists killed several troops before withdrawing. The army and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters did not immediately comment.

High-ranking casualty and previous death

This incident marks the second killing of a high-ranking officer in five months. In November, Brigadier General Musa Uba was killed in an ISWAP attack.

Researchers noted Musa Uba was the highest-ranking official killed in the conflict since 2021. The recent deaths deepen concern over command vulnerabilities.

Wider security context

The insurgency began with Boko Haram’s 2009 uprising. It has since spawned splinter groups, including Islamic State West Africa Province.

Analysts warn of a rise in violence since 2025. Maiduguri recorded two suicide bombings since December, signaling a return to urban attacks.

Regional spread and related attacks

Violence has spread beyond the northeast into western states. Armed gangs known as bandits have raided villages and extorted farmers and miners for years.

Gunmen killed at least 90 people across several remote northwest villages this week, an AFP tally found. One assault in Kebbi state was blamed on Mahmuda, an Al-Qaeda affiliate.

Kebbi borders Benin and Niger. Conflict monitor ACLED says militants linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group have increased attacks there.

In October, Al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM claimed an attack in Kwara state. In December, the United States and Nigeria struck Islamic State Sahel Province positions in northwest Sokoto state.

International and domestic reactions

The US State Department authorised non-emergency employees to leave Abuja, citing deteriorating security. The move came as researchers warned the Sahel conflict may spill further south.

AFP reported the Nigerian brigadier general was killed by terrorists during the raid. Filmogaz.com will update the story as more information becomes available.