Troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI early Thursday repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on their headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State, the Defence Headquarters has announced.
The attack, which occurred at approximately 12:30am, saw insurgents attempt to breach the perimeter of the military installation before being decisively engaged and forced to retreat, according to a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
Leading the counteraction was the Commander of the 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, whose troops, the military said, responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” compelling the attackers to flee in disarray and abandon their assault.
However, the military acknowledged that the encounter was not without cost. A number of soldiers were killed in the exchange, with the statement describing them as “brave and gallant” troops who “paid the supreme price in the line of duty.”
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, honoured the fallen soldiers and extended condolences to their families, while requesting that the public and media allow the Armed Forces to formally notify the next of kin before further details are disclosed.
The Defence Headquarters described the attack as evidence of growing desperation among insurgent elements who, having suffered significant losses in recent operations, have resorted to direct assaults on fortified military positions.
Additional clearance and exploitation operations are currently ongoing in the Benisheikh area to track down fleeing insurgents and prevent regrouping, the statement added.
The public was urged to disregard unverified reports circulating on social media and to provide security agencies with credible, timely information to support ongoing operations.
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