Midnight Terror: How Insurgents Overran Borno Base, Killed Brigadier General Braimah

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Fresh details have emerged on the deadly midnight assault on a military base in Benisheikh, Borno State, which led to the death of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade. Survivors described the incident as one of the fiercest and most coordinated attacks witnessed in recent months.

The attack, which occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, was reportedly carried out by fighters suspected to be from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The insurgents launched simultaneous strikes on multiple military formations in Benisheikh, a strategic town along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway in Kaga Local Government Area.

According to soldiers who survived the encounter, the attackers advanced in large numbers from different directions, overwhelming troops with superior coordination and manpower. One soldier, who spoke anonymously, said the operation appeared well-planned, suggesting the insurgents had studied military positions for weeks before striking.

Another source revealed that although troops initially resisted the attack, the sheer number of insurgents forced them on the defensive. As reports spread that other positions had been breached and casualties recorded, morale among the soldiers reportedly declined. The situation worsened when news of the brigade commander’s death circulated, triggering fear and confusion among the ranks.

The intense gun battle reportedly lasted over 90 minutes, with heavy gunfire and explosions forcing both soldiers and civilians to flee. Some troops were said to have withdrawn into nearby civilian areas, creating a temporary security gap that allowed the attackers to loot military facilities and destroy property.

Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the circumstances of General Braimah’s death. While initial claims suggested that a faulty Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle contributed to his death, military insiders dismissed this, stating that the vehicle was actually set ablaze during the fierce exchange of fire. They maintained that the situation was far more complex than reports of equipment failure.

Residents of Benisheikh also recounted the fear experienced during the attack, describing widespread panic as explosions and gunfire echoed through the town. Many fled their homes in the middle of the night, while shops, vehicles, and other civilian properties were destroyed in the assault.

Despite these accounts, the Nigerian Army, through Operation Hadin Kai, insisted that the attack was successfully repelled. The military dismissed reports of heavy casualties, stating that only four personnel—two officers and two soldiers—lost their lives. It also rejected claims of equipment failure, emphasizing that troops maintained control of the base and forced the insurgents to retreat.

The killing of Brigadier General Braimah adds to a growing list of senior military officers lost in the insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East. Security analysts say the recurring pattern of coordinated attacks raises concerns about operational strategy, intelligence gathering, and force protection in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Reacting to the incident, President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the soldiers, commending their bravery and sacrifice. He urged the Armed Forces to remain resolute, assuring that the Federal Government remains committed to defeating insurgency and restoring lasting peace across the country.