*Several Soldiers, Insurgents Reportedly Killed Too
*Defence Hqtrs Speaks
Terrorists suspected to be members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP,) have reportedly killed Brig.-Gen. O. O. Braimah, Brigade Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) in Benesheikh, Kaga Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, during a midnight attack on the town.
A security expert, Brant Philip confirmed this in a post today.
The post read: “ISWAP attacked the Nigerian military camp in Benisheikh, northeast Nigeria.
“Large fire sources were detected from inside the camp and according to security reports, Commanding Officer O.O. Braimah was killed during the attack.”
In another post, Philip added, “The Nigerian Commanding Officer killed by ISWAP during last night’s attack in Benisheikh was ranked Brigadier General, the highest level officer killed since the ambush that took the life of Brigadier General Uba late 2025 in Borno State as well.”
There are reports that local sources disclosed that civilians, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), security operatives, and several insurgents were also killed during the coordinated attacks carried out in Benesheikh town and Pulka community in Gwoza LGA.
A resident of Benesheikh, Malam Lawal Benesheikh, also confirmed the killing of the Army Commander in a Facebook post.
“Innalillahi wa Inna’illaihin raji’un. Boko Haram has again, unfortunately, succeeded in eliminating the commanding officer of Benisheikh.
“This unfortunate incident occurred yesterday night when the insurgents stormed the military formation in large numbers. May the souls of the fallen heroes rest in peace,” Malam Lawal wrote.
Defence Hqtrs Speaks
Reacting to the attacks and the aftermath, Defence Headquarters (DHQ), today, was silent on reports of Brig.-Gen. Braimah’s death.
The DHQ, in a statement, recounted that troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on a military base in Benisheikh.
It stated that the attack occurred around 12:30 am today when insurgents attempted to breach the Headquarters of the 29 Task Force Brigade.
According to the military, troops responded with “superior firepower” and forced the attackers to retreat, abandoning the operation.
The DHQ described the assault as a sign of desperation by terrorist groups following recent losses in ongoing military operations in the North-East.
The military confirmed that some soldiers were killed during the encounter. It said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has paid tribute to the fallen personnel and extended condolences to their families.
The DHQ said further details would be released after families of the deceased have been formally notified.
It also urged the public to disregard unverified reports and misinformation circulating on social media.
Meanwhile, clearance operations are ongoing in the area to track fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.
In November, 2025, Kano-born Brig.-Gen. Uba was killed by terrorists during a routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko,near Azir Multe, Damboa LGA of Borno State.
Reports of his killing sparked nationwide outrage and international consternation, with President Bola Tinubu mourning him and extending condolences to his family.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gen. Braimah.
