- Safiu Kehinde
An undisclosed number of military personnel have been killed in a coordinated attack launched on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State, by suspected terrorists.
This was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
While also disclosing the death of some of the insurgents, the DHQ however did not confirm or debunk reports claiming that the Commander of the 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, was among those killed during the attack.
According to Onoja, the insurgents attacked the formation around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday in an attempt to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation.
They however met strong resistance as troops of Operation HADIN KAI, led by the brigade commander, responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” forcing the attackers to retreat.
“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.
“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, ” the statement partly read.
The Defence Headquarters described the attack as a sign of desperation by insurgents who had suffered significant losses in recent military operations.
It however acknowledged that the encounter resulted in casualties among troops.
“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,
“Regrettably, the encounter resulted in the loss of a few brave and gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
“The Chief of Defence Staff honours their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation,” the statement read further.
The Defence Headquarters also disclosed that clearance operations were ongoing to track fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.
“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.
“Additional clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the general area to track and neutralise fleeing insurgents,” it said.
While extended condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, the military High Command reportedly urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information, especially on social media.