- Safiu Kehinde
Late Brigadier-General Omo Braimah and other soldiers killed in terrorists’ attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade camp in Benisheikh, Borno state, have been laid to rest.
NPO Reported that the insurgents had last week Thursday launched a coordinated attack on the military base.
While the troops neutralised some of the terrorists in the foiled attack, they however recorded casualties with the Defence Headquarters confirming the death of some personnel.
Several reports in circulation suggested that Brigadier-General, O. Braimah, was killed alongside 17 other personnel during the attack.
This was however refuted by the North East Joint Task Force, also known as Operation HADIN KAI, as its spokesperson, Lt. Col. Uba Sani, labelled the claims as false, misleading, and highly exaggerated
Uba maintained that the narratives, often amplified with unrelated pictures and videos, are not only inaccurate but constitute a deliberate attempt to distort facts, undermine ongoing military operations and erode public confidence.
He clarified that only two officers and two soldiers were killed in the attack while the said Brigadier-General was largely directing the soldiers’ counter-attack on the insurgents from a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised in the heat of combat.
The Army would eventually admit to the death of the Brigadier General on Wednesday as it announced his burial alongside other slain soldiers.
As contained in a statement issued on the force’s official X handle, Brig. Gen. Braimah was laid to rest alongside the other soldiers and accorded full military honours at the Maimalaru Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri.
“In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony, the nation on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, laid to rest Late Brigadier General Omo Braimah, Captain Ismail, and other gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
“The burial, held at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State, was marked by deep sorrow, honour and reflection.
“Amidst grieving families and fellow comrades, the fallen heroes were accorded full military honours in recognition of their selfless service and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation.” The statement partly read.
The army maintained that the fallen heroes’ sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the heavy price paid daily by members of the Armed Forces to safeguard the peace, unity and security of Nigeria.
In attendance at the funeral were the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd); Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; and other senior military officers who all gathered to honour the courage and dedication of the departed.
In their tributes, the Governor, the Minister of Defence, the CDS, and the COAS described the fallen soldiers as true patriots who stood firm in the face of danger and made the ultimate sacrifice so that others might live in safety.
They noted that their bravery and sense of duty will continue to inspire generations and remain etched in the nation’s history.
With heavy hearts, prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of their souls, while citations detailing their service and sacrifice were read before their next of kin.
The army maintained that the grief of their families underscored the human cost of the nation’s security efforts, even as their courage remains a source of pride and honour.