Borno Attack: Army General and Terrorists Killed, Tinubu Mourns
Armed assailants launched a pre-dawn assault on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State. The Defence Headquarters confirmed that both insurgents and military personnel died in the encounter on April 9, 2026.
Attack timeline and on-site reports
The assault began at about 12:30 a.m., according to the Defence Headquarters. Insurgents attempted to breach the base perimeter and used heavy weaponry.
Residents said attackers set combat vehicles on fire and torched nearby roadside shops. A local resident, Musa Aji, told journalists shops and military vehicles burned, but no civilian deaths had been reported at that time.
Military response and casualties
Maj Gen Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled the raid. He credited the response to the 29 Brigade with courage, professionalism, and superior firepower.
The Defence Headquarters said insurgents were forced to retreat in disarray. Clearance operations were underway to pursue fleeing fighters and to prevent regrouping.
Conflicting accounts about the brigade commander
Official military statements did not confirm whether the 29 Brigade commander was killed. Kaga Local Government chairman Zanna Ajimi told reporters the brigade commander was among the casualties.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued by his special adviser Bayo Onanuga, extended condolences and referred to Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah as among those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Efforts to reach Operation Hadin Kai’s spokesperson, Lt Col Sanni Uba, were unsuccessful.
Context and government reaction
The Defence Headquarters described the attack as evidence of insurgents’ desperation after recent losses. The statement also confirmed that a few soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
In the Borno attack, reports emerged that an army general and several terrorists were killed, and Tinubu mourns the fallen. The President urged continued support for the military and promised enhanced equipment and welfare for troops.
Appeal to the public
Tinubu called on Nigerians and the media to support the armed forces and to avoid celebrating attacks on troops. He pledged federal cooperation with Borno State to pursue lasting peace and total victory.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments and update this report as new official information becomes available.
