Army confirms soldier casualties after terrorist assault on 29 Task Force Brigade in Borno

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of some of its personnel following a coordinated terrorist attack on the Headquarters of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Borno State, in the early hours of Thursday.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the insurgents launched the assault at about 12:30 a.m., attempting to breach the defensive perimeter of the military formation.

According to him, the attackers were met with “exceptional courage, professionalism and superior firepower” from troops stationed at the base.

“In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and compelled to abandon their mission, leaving behind traces of their failed assault,” Onoja stated.

The statement noted that troops, under the leadership of Brigade Commander Brig.-Gen. Oseni Braimah, swiftly mounted a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat in disarray.

Onoja described the attempted breach as a sign of desperation by terrorist elements facing sustained military pressure and mounting losses in ongoing operations across the North-East.

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“This attack clearly reflects the desperation of terrorists who continue to embark on futile offensives against well-defended military positions,” he said.

He added that the rapid response by personnel underscored the combat readiness and operational effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI, the military campaign targeting insurgency in the region.

Despite successfully repelling the attack, the Army confirmed that some soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

Onoja disclosed that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had paid tribute to the fallen troops, commending their courage and sacrifice in defence of the nation.

“Their courage will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire nation,” he said.

The military high command has extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased personnel and urged the public and media to allow due process in notifying next of kin before the release of further details.

The defence spokesman cautioned against the circulation of misinformation and unverified reports that could undermine ongoing security operations and national stability.

He confirmed that additional clearance and exploitation operations are underway in the area to track and neutralise fleeing insurgents.

Reaffirming the military’s resolve, Onoja stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain committed to restoring lasting peace in the North-East and across the country.

“The Armed Forces remain resolute and undeterred in restoring lasting peace in the North-East and across the country,” he said, calling on citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible information to security agencies.