Troops Repel Midnight Terrorist Attack On Brigade Headquarters In Borno, Army General, Soldiers Killed 

Maiduguri, Borno State– Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on the Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State, after a fierce midnight gun battle with insurgents who attempted to overrun the military formation.

The attack occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Thursday when heavily armed insurgents launched an assault on the military base but were forced to retreat following a strong counteroffensive by Nigerian troops.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade, led by the Commander, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” preventing the attackers from breaching the defensive perimeter of the installation.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said the insurgents were decisively engaged and eventually fled the area after suffering defeat.

The statement read: “In continuation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, 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.

“The attack occurred at approximately 0030hrs (12:30am) on Thursday, 9 April 2026, as insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation. However, the troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower.

“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.”

The Defence Headquarters described the attack as a sign of desperation by terrorist groups operating in the North-East, noting that the insurgents have suffered significant losses in recent military offensives across the region.

According to the military authorities, the failed assault demonstrates the growing pressure on terrorist groups who have increasingly resorted to risky attacks on fortified military positions.

“This attack is a clear indication of the desperation of terrorist elements who, having suffered significant losses in recent operations, continue to resort to futile and ill-fated offensives against well-defended military positions,” Onoja.

The military further explained that the swift response of the troops highlights the operational readiness and resilience of forces under Operation Hadin Kai.

“The swift and decisive response by troops underscores the high level of combat readiness, resilience, and operational effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI in safeguarding critical locations and maintaining pressure on terrorist groups across the North-East theatre,” he stated.

However, the encounter came at a heavy cost as the military confirmed that some soldiers were killed during the confrontation.

The Defence Headquarters expressed regret over the loss of the personnel who died while defending the country against insurgents.

“Regrettably, the encounter resulted in the loss of a few brave and gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” Onoja said.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, describing them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for Nigeria.

“The Chief of Defence Staff 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 statement noted.

Military authorities also extended condolences to the families of the deceased personnel.

“The High Command extends its deepest condolences to their families and loved ones,” the Defence Headquarters said.

The military urged the public and media organisations to allow due process before the identities of the fallen soldiers are made public, stressing that their next of kin must first be formally notified in line with military tradition.

“In line with established military tradition and respect for the fallen, the general public and media are kindly requested to allow the Armed Forces to formally notify the next of kin before the release of further details.”

The Defence Headquarters also warned against spreading misinformation or unverified reports about the incident, stating that such content could undermine ongoing operations and national security.

“The public is also urged to disregard misinformation, sensational reports, and unverified content circulating across social media platforms, as these undermine ongoing operations and national security efforts.”

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces said additional operations are currently ongoing in the surrounding areas to track down fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.

According to the statement, troops are conducting clearance and exploitation operations to locate and neutralise the terrorists involved in the failed attack.

“Additional clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the general area to track and neutralize fleeing insurgents, as well as to deny them any opportunity to regroup.”

The military reaffirmed its commitment to ending insurgency in the North-East and restoring lasting peace across Nigeria.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, remain resolute and undeterred in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.”

General Oluyede also commended the troops for their courage and dedication while operating under difficult conditions in the region.

“The Chief of Defence Staff commends the bravery, discipline, and steadfastness of the troops, whose sacrifices continue to ensure the safety, stability, and sovereignty of Nigeria.”

He added that the determination of the troops in the North-East demonstrates the military’s commitment to restoring peace in the region.

“Their dedication in one of the most challenging operational environments reaffirms the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring lasting peace in the North-East and across the country.”

The Defence Headquarters also appealed to citizens to support security forces with credible information that could assist ongoing operations.

“The general public is encouraged to continue supporting the Armed Forces through timely and credible information that can aid ongoing operations. Citizens are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding as security forces sustain momentum in ongoing operations.”